South Ladies IIIs went into the game nerves edged by the prospect of promotion and a restlessness to get the job done. Considering recent form we knew the squad was well poised to finish the task in hand, but also that Spalding IIs are a good team and were unlikely to make the process easy.

We were slow to start and allowed Spalding control with their midfield and forwards linking up well to place the home team under pressure, but our backline remained solid with some great clearances out of the D and some unfaltering short corner defensive work keeping the score at 0-0. Play was end to end with both teams failing to convert chances until just before half-time Juliette Stoop received the ball in open space sweeping it hard and fast past the Spalding keeper, South 1, Spalding 0.

Spalding replied with some skilful play down through their midfield and into the South defensive D, but some cracking saves from Lydia Neil in goal meant the half-time score remained unchanged.

At half time coaches Paul and Tim stressed formation, making those Vs in the middle, avoiding a flat defensive line and stretching the play up front. Their words of wisdom led to a better second half and South began to show the form that had taken them to a top table spot. Midfield worked tirelessly to take control of the pitch and to drive the game forward. Defense grew in confidence and started to switch the play across the pitch & out of the danger zone and the forwards saw more chances to strut their stuff. A second goal from Juliette Stoop from a reverse hit shot soon followed, South 2, Spalding 0.

The game wasn’t in the bag yet. Spalding continued to drive forward but more great saves by Lydia Neil and some on-the-line clearances by the South defenders left Spalding unrewarded.  

The South press worked better in the last quarter of the game as Spalding began to tire and a third goal came when captain Lucy sent the ball down the left channel to forward Anna Withington for an onward slip to Emily Bird who skillfully slotted it past the Spalding goalie one last time taking the end score to 3-0.

Player of the match went to Suzi Pugh for her tenacity and “solid as a brick” work in defense as as well as “fab distribution” and with the words of the team poet best fitting her performance, “she is the one to choose, her stick like a wall, she always gets the ball”. Well said!. Votes also went to Lydia Neal for some sensational saves (and there were many).

The Lemon vote went to Anna Latham for inspiring a moment of self doubt in Nev such that he felt the need to ask if he was the umpire. Nev, hoping the brief moment of self doubt has now vanished but in case you need a boost I found this for you… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xyOQc3ML2Y (and actually thinking about it I could do with a bit of self listening too, especially after jumpiring a mens 5s game).

& so we end the story happily ever after as the man with the whistle sang his final song, promotion bagged, coaches rewarded with the success they drove and with just one pressure free game left to enjoy the season out. As always, thanks to everyone who helps to support our games, our coaches, our umpires, especially Jackie for her coordination, Mike for the pizzas and Jan for his lovely pre-match reports.