| Match Report |
Caradon welcomed Penarth to Lux Park on Saturday, keen to show how much they have improved since their 10-1 thrashing in Wales earlier in the season.
The team had a cool, calm and collected attitude prior to the game and as the first whistle blew, Caradon began to dominate the opening exchanges.
Passing the ball around with real composure and finding good channels of play on the left. Penarth were struggling with the pace of Jess Berry in attack and it was a Berry goal that was first on the score sheet. Rounding the keeper and slotting home after being fed a perfect through ball.
Caradons confidence was high and they continued to push forward. Beth Harris and Libby Walsh both found good space on the wings and the energetic Abbi Ingram a constant threat in the middle of the pitch. Penalty corners were awarded as Penarth made some last ditch tackles in the circle. Clare Mitchell fired her shot goalwards and as it deflected if a defenders stick to find the roof of the net, Caradon had 2 goal lead over the league title contenders.
Penarth had numerous quality players and thier individual technical skills were evident for all to see and they managed to score 2 well worked goals before half time to level the scores.
Caradon knew they would need to play an equally good second half to prevent Penarth from pulling away. Jules Butterworth who is having an exceptional first season at Caradon, was controlling the danger areas and nullified most attacks before they got to the circle. Penarth were now relentless in pushing forward but Caradon were fighting with everything they had to hold on to a draw. Captain, Amy Batty, making crucial goal line saves and Helen Delbridge putting in another player of the match performance in goal.
Penarth scored after an unstoppable short corner strike found its way over the line and this led to Caradon throwing caution to the wind and pushed forward in hunt of the equaliser. Newcomer Katie Fear worked tirelessly closing down defenders and was rewarded with a penalty corner with seconds to play. Unfortunately Caradon couldn't convert and the score ended 2-3.
This was some of the best hockey played by Caradon this season and can be extremely proud of thier performance, pushing a potential national league team all the way. They will certainly have travelled back to Wales thinking Caradon 1st team are a worthy team and despite thier league position play composed quality hockey of their own.
Next week Caradon take the long trip to Lydney, a fixture they know will not be easy but hopeful of producing more good hockey.
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