Women's 1st XI Vs Duchy 1

Caradon travelled to Redruth to play Duchy in a pre season friendly on Saturday and continued thier good form with a comfortable 2-0 win. Although Duchy play in the division below, Caradon were missing 3 important squad members so the game was set to be competative and Caradon were in no mood to let thier focus slip.

The game stated at a good pace and with a few players playing out of thier usual position it took until midway through the first half for Caradon to really start to find thier groove. Laura Hill, making her return debut, was finding plenty of room on the right and chances in front of goal were coming thick and fast. Duchys' keeper pulled of some great saves and last ditch tackles from the defenders meant most chances came from penalty corners. With new routines practised Caradon could still not find the net and it was only late in the half when Caradon found the goal they were looking for. Forward, Bizzie Dinnis, was forcing the play and her pass found Clare Poad who deflected past the oncoming keeper.

The half time talk was based on continuing the high work rate that has been a real plus since the start of pre season. 

With tenacious Beth Harris playing in the Pivot role it allowed midfielders Carina Hodge and Helen Manley to push forward and keeep Duchy on the back foot. Chances were starting to come thick and fast. The scoreline could have been alot higher and if the forwards had been more clinical the game would have effectively been over before the final quarter.

Duchy were clearly hanging on and there was no way through the disciplined defence of Julia Eldridge, Amy Batty and Fleur Worden.

The second goal sealed the victory when Dinnis turned provider again when feeding Hill to slot home.

Caradon now look forward to the county tournament on Saturday and continue to look forward to the upcoming season which starts on the 29th September. With a steely focus amongst the squad, and being more prepared than any season before, Caradon 1s cannot wait to get the season started!