| Match Report |
After a fantastic start to the season, Caradon knew this would be their first real test in the league campaign as they faced Plymouth Uni at Lux Park on Saturday.
Sure enough, despite Caradon having some good initial spells, Plymouth Uni were definitely there for a fight and their quick movements and stepping up to collect the ball first seemed to shake the home side. The first half was very end to end with both sides having their chances to strike, an exciting match for the spectators but frustrating for the yellows as they knew from previous weeks they could do so much better. Player of the match Helen Manley came closest with a run into the D but the tight angle saw the ball just shave past the post.
The score remained at 0-0 as the half time break was a chance for the team to reset and get back to basics with strong, confident passes and movement off the ball. They took the captain's chat on board and came out with more intent to get the game won.
It wasn't until the 55th minute when Caradon finally broke the deadlock. A short corner routine had Carina Hodge at the top of the D with a smart accurate pass to a waiting Neve Hunn on the post to slot home - much to the celebration and relief of the home side.
With new and well worked sub rotations and a rattled Plymouth Uni side, Caradon found their feet and their groove but a 1 nil lead still meant hard work and as the umpire signalled for the last 2 minutes the home side played to the very end.
Katie Fear who had been threatening all afternoon picked up the ball just past the halfway line and charged at the Uni defence, despite flying sticks to try to tackle her luckily the umpire played advantage and she took it completely - smashing her shot past the keeper with literally the last touch of the game to end it 2-0.
There is a break from the league next week but Caradon must remain in fighting form as they travel to Bodmin to face old rivals on November 4th.
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