Women's 3rd XI Vs Penzance II

Storm Brian raised his head again for the weekend and made playing difficult at times on Saturday. Caradon third string travelled to Penzance to take on the team at the top of the table. Caradon wanting to keep the score line to a minimum and if possible come away with a piont.

The visiting team starter strong (winning the toss) and immediately pressured the Penzance 'D'. The Penzance defence were very strong at protecting their 'D', forwards Erryn Lockett and Bryony Gubbins coped well against Penzances tough challenges and kept the keeper on her toes! The first half was a evenly fought battle with both teams thwarting each other's opportunities. It was however Penzance who scored the first goal of the game from a well taken long corner. Caradon didn't take it lying down and bounced right back up and pushed forward, with only 5minutes left in the first half Caradon were awarded a short corner, the first shot was blocked but hit a defenders foot and a second shirt corner was given, captain Shelley Lockett, with the bit between her teeth, received the ball at the top of the 'D' struck hard and Erryn deflected it past the keeper. Happy to be back in the game they came off for half time energised.

A positive team talk lifted their spirits and engaged their self belief, mid fielders Charlie Harris and Pippa Hedley dominated the centre of the pitch setting up balls for the wingers Kerryn Walsh and Abbi Strevens to push forward. Lauren Bowdler stood firm in goal for Caradon and dealt with the Penzance attacks ably assisted by defenders Josie Dudley, Emma Link, Rachel Luiten and player of the match Jeanette Turpin. Caradon won another corner and this time it was Pippa's strike that Erryn Lockett deflected into the goal. Caradon were ahead but with still 10minutes to go had to keep working hard. Penzance now upped their game and were beginning to make inroads into the Caradon's 'D' and numerous shorts corners were given but dealt with by the defence with some great off the life clearances from Jeanette (sometimes on her knees). In the last few minutes Caradon were unlucky to concede a penalty flick when a corner strike hit the defenders body on the goal line. Penzance expertly converted it (much to their delight) and the game finished 2 -2. A great team performance!!