| Match Report |
With five regular players out and a last minute issue with a stand in goalkeeper, Caradon 2s faced the daunting task of playing unbeaten, top of the table and high scoring Duchy with 11 outfield players, no goalie and no subs.
But with fire in their bellies and a pre-match team talk of unity and working for each other, they started with no fear.
Despite a few early chances, Duchy couldn't get through the defence and empty goal with some fantastic goal line saves from player of the match Annie Williams. This seemed to just inspire Caradon on and with some long periods of possession they had their own shots on goal and short corner opportunities.
They grabbed their chance with one such short corner, a well worked routine found Laura Hill at the top of the D who aimed for the post, where Charlotte Tamblyn was waiting to slot it under the keeper.
With only sticks and bodies to stop any shots on goal, it was probably inevitable that a Caradon body on the line would have awarded Duchy a penalty flick - this happened crucially just before half time. A brave Annie stood between the sticks with only a facemask on, head to head with one of the league's top goalscorers, who aimed for the far post and ended up hitting the ball past it and off the pitch keeping it at 1-0 at the break.
With no subs, tiredness would eventually start to sneak in mid-way through the second half and Duchy rotating two subs took advantage, levelling the score after Caradon impressively kept the lead for almost an hour.
Caradon were physically taking a beating - falls, ball hits to the body and bruises, but were still creating chances on the counter and were definitely not wanting to just sit back and play defensive.
As the umpires signalled for 2 minutes left of the game, a scrappy period in the D of the ball being played out then met by Duchy's wall of attack, one player took her chance. Sadly for Caradon the strike took a nick which sent the ball looping into the top corner - keeper or not it would have been a hard one to stop. 2-1 to Duchy as the final whistle went; Caradon players fell to the floor in a mixture of fatigue, pride and some disappointment they just couldn't quite hold on for the point.
It was an incredible display of teamwork, solidarity and sheer determination, with every player putting in a shift for the cause. Despite their obvious disappointment it took the performance of the season to have the top team against the ropes and they should be extremely proud.
The league season ends this Saturday with a home game against Plymouth University, with third place secured and possibly second if other results go their way.
|