Ladies 1s return to winning ways with a 5-2 result at Bourne Deeping

Determined to be reap the reward following a string of strong performances which came just short resulting in draws, this weeks the Ladies 1st XI travelled away to Bourne Deeping determined to finally get that win!

It was a cold but sunny afternoon as the 22 girls took to the pitch. An early injury reminded the girls of the importance of gumshields as a bouncing ball sidelined defender Maddie for the half with a split lip. Bourne started strongly and proved clinical in the attack as a foot in the D led to the 1st short corner of the game. A perfectly struck 1st strike from the top of the D found the bottom corner giving the home side an early lead. Bourne continued to push but the Nomads defence of Josie, Lou, and Lois were able to stand strong absorbing this pressure. Nomads found their feet creating some lovely space around the back and out wide to halves Zoe and Rach. On the break it was Bethan who drew 1st blood for the visitors as she found the back of the net drawing Nomads level. Bourne however were quick to regain their advantage a run on goal proved to good for Nomads Goalie Jenny. Then, with just 2 minutes remaining of the 1st half Nomads were offered the chance to go in to the break all even as the Bourne defence fowled on the goal line, conceding a penalty stroke. Up stepped experienced Nomads flick taker Flip, she showed no nerves as she placed a perfect struck stroke ,just inside the left post, to maintain her 100%, 9/9 penalty record!

The girls went in to half time all even at 2-2, but still determined that the 3 points were theirs to take with the sun now behind them. But disaster struck the Nomads just a few minutes into the 2nd half as one of their key players Kate became the next victim of the bouncy pitch! Never being one to shy away from danger unfortunately a loose ball ended in a lot of blood and a nasty cut above the eye, at times like this you're glad for having Doc Laura on the team! Thankfully no lasting damage was done, as following the game nurse Mark at the minor injury clinic was able to work his magic and patched Kate up in time to still make the Cambridge fireworks that evening. Loosing Kate left a huge hole in the middle of the Nomads side but the girls refocused and Zoe stepped in to the gap. Now even more determination to take home the points the girls pushed forward with renewed effort. The reward came from from a superb individual effort from Laura, dribbling around several defenders she placed the ball past the goalie and took Nomads a head for the 1st time in the game. Not satisfied with a 1 goal cushion, Nomads next goal came from Liz as she showed true commitment diving across the D to get on the end of an Ellie cross. With momentum well and truly on their side the visitors put the game out of reach of Bourne as Bethan had the final say when her shot snuck through the defence and took the final score to 5-2.

It was a great result for the team in the face of adversity and the win the girls both needed and deserved. Man of the match went to Liz for her pivotal play in the centre of the pitch and of course her stunning diving goal!

Next week Ladies 1s play Newmarket, 11am at home where they will look to build on this win.