Women's 2nd XI Vs Bodmin 1

Caradon Ladies 2s headed to Bodmin to play one of their biggest games of the season. With Bodmin in 3rd place, one point ahead of Caradon in 4th, this was a must win game to nudge up the Trelawney 1 table.

Any nerves or anticipation were soon put aside as Caradon’s desire to get the first and early goal was grabbed by Vanessa Scott. An impressive move starting from the back, Claire Brown’s strong pass met Katie Fear who slipped to Vanessa who dinked the ball in between the keeper’s legs to put the visitors up.

Despite a strong and motivated performance already kicking in, Caradon knew they couldn’t settle with just holding fort and knew Bodmin’s position on the table was due to their own determination to get back into games. With this in mind, the visitors pushed forward with chances for player of the match Katie Fear and her fellow forwards. The Bodmin keeper was on form saving low shots and quick deflections, the score could have been higher sooner.

Lauren Gouge got herself on the scoresheet to give Caradon a buffer before halftime. Jumping on a rebound off the keeper, she hit the ball hard into the corner of the goal to ensure a 2-0 lead at the break.

Bodmin had more chances in the second half but another sterling performance by Caradon keeper Lynn Oxenham and her defence of Claire Brown, Rachael Spencer and Marcia Burgess with Neve Hunn in pivot, thwarted opportunities for a comeback.

With the midfield running constantly to get the ball back up the park, Carina Hodge battled hard to win tackles and with Nicola Harding and Helen Manley either side of her, the three linked up to get the ball to Laura Hill who confidently struck to secure goal number 3.

With the home side trailing and no obvious way back, tempers got teasy on the Bodmin team and their sideline support and both captains were called over by the umpires. However, Caradon didn’t let these mind games get to them and kept their heads to continue to control the game. With seconds to spare the otherwise resilient defence were caught out and Bodmin managed to convert a short corner in the very last seconds.

Caradon left the pitch bouncing with deserved confidence and 3-1 win, their work rate and passing as a team shows how far they’ve come this season, most times with players having to play out of position. They return home this Saturday, with another chance to grab 3 points against Newquay 2s.