| Match Report |
Caradon were back at home this week to face top of the table unbeaten Duchy, who are the main contenders for promotion this season.
Caradon did beat Duchy away last season, but with a few new players the visitors arrived with a strong setup. Despite this, it was actually Caradon who had the early chances, with striker Jayne Longrigg returning to the team, her first attempt at goal shaved the post after some clever build up play from the midfield. Not long after this it was the home side who had another opportunity, Sarah ‘Browner’ Strevens had a strong direct hit on goal kicked away by the goalkeeper as Caradon continued to press.
Duchy were incredibly quick on counter attack and it was one such sudden turnaround that broke the deadlock as they went up 1-0. Unfortunately for Caradon this opened the flood gates somewhat as Duchy scored two further quick goals despite some promising attacks on the goal from the home team. Alice May back in her preferred position in defence blocked further attempts on the right side attack, with good strong clearances up the wing to Daisy Hunn who continues to impress with her confident driving runs. Duchy won a short corner just before the break and with a number of options at the top of the D, slotted past the defence to make it 4-0 at the half time whistle.
Not to be down hearted, a positive and construction half time talk praised once again the passing between Caradon 2, they were making progress up the pitch but just needed to pounce on opportunities quicker. As expected Duchy came out wanting more but Caradon were better prepared the second half, captain Rachael Spencer saved a shot off the line and goalie Bekki Eddy had super fast reactions as a goal mouth scramble forced her to save at least 3 quick shots on goal – keeping them all out with every limb possible. |
Player of the Match Nic Dymond was relentless in her sweeper position, winning the majority of tackles before they got into the last third. At the other end of the pitch, EJ Mullis in midfield was working well with Leah Jones on the wing while Katie Jones was showing once more her confidence playing for the 2s after moving up this season, driving forward with pace and strength.
Caradon finally won a short corner through sheer determination and it was scored with similar grit. An initial strike on goal was kicked away by the Duchy goalie but Browner was on hand to push on through the scramble to scuff the ball over the line. Duchy went on to score one more before the final whistle but Caradon can be proud they kept the attacks out as the scoreline could have been a lot higher, unfortunately for Claire Brown who literally took one for the team in the dying moments taking a direct hit to the ankle she powered through the pain to clear Duchy’s last shot.
This fixture was always going to be one of the harder ones of the season as Duchy look a force in Trelawney 1 this year, but Caradon impressed in the latter 35 minutes, keeping the second half score to 1-1. The building of the team and how they play together continues and with more favourable fixtures soon coming up if they play like they have done, they can be confident to get those deserved wins in the next few weeks.
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