Women's 1st XI Vs Isca 2

Caradon travelled to Exeter University to take in their second team and despite being on the wrong side of a 6-2 result came away pleased with their performance.

With player availability an issue across all of the Caradon teams this week, only 12 players made the trip but this only seemed to cement the team spirit that would be needed for this fixture. 
The game plan was thrown out of the window when the students took a 1-0 lead within 1 minute. They then scored again quickly after and Caradon had to work really hard to steady the ship.

The character of this team was most evident in a player of the match performance from central player, Abbie Ingram. Working tirelessly to break up play she inspired her team mates to up the aggression and press harder to turn over possession. 

Exeter fielded an team of skilful individuals and Caradons defence had to be at their best to keep the score at 3-0 before the break. Emma Gliddon and Daisy Hunn were quick to react to danger in the circle and Helen Dellbridge pulled off some cracking saves. 
The half time talk was all about fight and desire to compete and this was evident to see straight from the start of the second half. Beth Harris and Lucy Kay were quick to meet any loose balls and stand in skipper, Clare Mitchell was using her magic to force penalty corners. The pressure was starting to show as after a deliberate foul at the top of the circle resulted in a penalty stroke being awarded. Player/manager Clare Poad dispatched the stroke into the net and lifted Caradons hope of a possible comeback. This was short lived as the quality in the university team was just too much and they soon stretched to a 4 goal lead. 
Caradon continued to battle in all areas of the pitch and were rewarded for their work rate when Libby Walsh scored the best goal of the day. Picking the ball up in the left and driving centrally towards goal, defenders were left flat footed and her blistering strike found the back board. At 5-2 the scoreline was probably a fair reflection of the game but in the last play, Exeter scored from a penalty corner, unluckily dipping in off the crossbar to make the final score 6-2. 
Caradon entertain promotion hunting Cardiff and Met at Lux park on Saturday, and if they continue to play with this much heart will give the Welsh team a good game.