Our time had come to make the voyage to the sand land pitch of Wisbech. Our previous encounter this season had seen us win comfortably at 7-0. We had more to prove, to retain our unbeaten streak and ultimately staying top of the league. 

Could this be done on sand? 

Of course! 

Though we had a nail biting start. 

The game started with South in our usual 10 minutes of settling in, particularly on the Wisbech velcro like carpet. This ten minutes gave Wisbech an opportunity. A free hit in our defensive half led to a surprising lead into the D, and the ball was deflected off the post. 1-0 to Wisbech. Crumbs! (Or should I say grains of sand?). 

We didn't like this feeling. So we upped the ante and naturally learnt from their slice of luck and good play. From then on man marking was tight, limiting their opportunities. Cassie came into play in goal for a handful of fantastic saves, not to forget Nic's wall like stick whilst Cassie was getting back on her feet (from another awesome dive). 

After our settling in period, we took back control and held strong in midfield and attack, creating many scoring opportunities. Not long after, Charlotte had netted her first goal of the game. Phew 1-1! A couple of short corners came our way, which lead to another goal. Finishing the first half 2-1. That's more like it. 

Like both attacking and defensive corners, our half time break was short and sweet, it appears their referees had other things to do that day. 

Our half time talk allowed us to take stock of how well Wisbech were marking us, and making it clearer how we needed to move for the sideline and 16s (not forgetting meeting the ball as it stuck like glue to the pitch). We celebrated our fantastic passing and growing communication. And we laughed at Louisa for breaking a defensive corner. 

The second half continued with South dominating, and Wisbech pushing, pressurising and testing our quick return to defence when possession changed. 

Another couple of short corners. Another early break from Louisa easily handed her LOM. Can I blame the sandy pitch for that one too? 

Charlotte made her hat trick with a seemingly unintentional goal which, to our appreciation, their goalie hadn't anticipated either. Maybe a slow pitch can be advantageous? 

We finished the game tired and proud. A brilliant game for us to learn from. 

POM nominations went to Emma M for her midfield drives, Rebecca and Rosie for their stoic defence and fantastic sending on the ball. Nic gained POM for her superb mid field play. 

LOM nominations were not as varied. Rosie had a mention for telling the oppo's coach off for shouting too loudly (she couldn't hear the refs...). Emma M had a mention for walking to another pitch and so being late to our game. Louisa took the sweep.  

We very much look forward to our return to our beloved Long Road pitch and proving our position is deservedly at the top of the league.