Women's 1st XI Vs University of Bristol 1

After a weeks break from the league, Caradon travelled to Bristol to take in a university team that beat them 5-0 in the return fixture earlier in the season. 
Keen to show how much Caradon have improved throughout the season, the team had a clear game plan to show more competitiveness and bravery and this was evident from the first whistle. Confident interplay between the midfielders resulted in good entries into the circle and chances on goal which the goal keeper did well to keep out. Bristol had barely managed to get any phases of play as Caradons press was working to good effect. The ball being turned over in the center of the pitch, Daisy Heel threaded a lovely weighted ball to Jess Berry. The inform striker beat the keeper confidently and Caradon took a well deserved lead. 
This seemed to wake the students who immediately began to put Caradons defence under pressure and scored twice from clinical counter attacking hockey. Caradon continued to show bravery and create chances going forward but it was Bristol who scored again just before half time to give them a flattering 3-1 lead at the break.

Caradon have shown soo much character this season by never letting thier heads drop and the second half was no different. Continuing in thier self belief they played some of their best hockey of the season. Emma Gliddon was enjoying some space on the right and combined with Jules Butterworth showing her class with pin point passes, chances were a plenty. Hitting the post twice and shots cleared of the line, Bristol were under severe pressure. Clare Mitchell and Abbi Ingram continued to make good in roads and combined with a confident and aggressive press the ball eventually got over the line after a shot by Heal. 
The game was proving to be a good spectacle as both teams pushed forward for another goal. Helen Dellbridge put in a player of the match performance in goal, making some strong saves whilst Daisy Hunn and Libby Walsh were both excellent on the left, intercepting play and building attacks. 
The entire team were looking full of belief but ran out of time to find the equaliser, leaving the students feeling thankful that they took their chances in the first half. 

A very good game of hockey from both teams played in competitive but sportsmanlike manner. A great advert for ladies hockey at this level. 
Caradon will welcome title chasers Penarth to lux park this Saturday, a game where they will need to show both thier bravery and maturity to limit the free scoring Welsh!