Women's 2nd XI Vs Truro

Caradon faced Truro on a freezing afternoon at Lux last week, in a must win game against a team just two points above them. A win would have kept their survival hopes alive, but anything less could have ended the season prematurely.

Luckily the home side were up for the task, quicker off the mark and with some good flowing hockey, showed that they wanted the win more than Truro. Caradon’s start was as brisk as the weather, starting as they intended to go on with great confidence and determination. They dominated the first half, maintaining all the pressure and play in the Truro side of the pitch and were awarded with their efforts with a short corner. A slip pass from Jayne Longrigg at the top of the D found EJ Mullis in space infront of the keeper, despite the initial shot being blocked, her quick reactions on the ball coming back out to her she slammed it home to give Caradon the deserved lead. It wasn’t to be her last this afternoon.
With some much welcomed sideline support from fellow club members, Caradon were keen to add to their lead and did so through Helen Manley who in a crowded D jumped on a loose ball and made sure it hit the backboard with a strong strike.

Truro’s attacks were kept to a minimum by Nicola Dymond’s cool and calm clearances and with a chance hitting the post, Caradon felt another goal was due. Step up EJ whose controlled strike hit the top net out of the reach of the keeper just before the half time whistle was blown.

The home side went into the break 3-0 up and buzzing for more. As expected Truro came out in the second half with a stronger fighting spirit, but their few counterattacks were snuffed out by the strong defensive line of rotating subs Claire Brown, Rachael Spencer, Georgia Hall and Marcia Burgess. Unlike previous matches of numerous short corners, Caradon were getting every chance in open play particularly supplied by Sadie Mullis and Natalie Ridgers whose wing play on the left and right, running the lines with speed made a menace for the visiting defence.
The fourth and final goal came from EJ to gain her hat trick hero status and player of the match title, collecting a well timed pass from Abi Larigo in the midfield she slotted home past the Truro keeper much to the joy of the hard working team and support.

The win gave Caradon the confidence boost they needed, showing that they can score goals and can play impressive hockey across the entire park. The scoreline could have been more if it wasn’t for some superb reaction saves by the Truro goalkeeper. But Caradon take the points knowing that although the season is far from over, the win has proved a massive boost to the team and their position. With a half term break, they return to the league on the 25th with a tough away match against Duchy.