Passports at the ready and the L1s were ready for their trip to Wisbech (or a “Northern Venice '' as Hannah S described it upon driving in for the first time). It was wet, miserable, and feeling less like the romantic destination certain members of the team were envisaging with every step closer to the pitch (or beach may be a more accurate description). 

We got off to a strong start, with a huge run from Lucia, outsprinting 5 defenders and a great pass into the D which was smashed home by Laura making it 1-0 to South! We had the majority of possession but a well worked short corner from Wisbeach equalised it to 1-1. After 20 mins Izzy decided she was not impressed with Northern Venice and channelled her inner Marco Materazzi* by headbutting the ball, packed her bags, and flew home… to Addenbrookes… with Lucia’s mum. Lucia, satisfied she’d done her bit for the team, also left. The battle had begun. 

It had started so well but we were now down to the bare 11 and a nice pool of Izzy’s blood on the pitch to add to the ambiance. Wisbeach seemed to have an endless army of subs but we did well to defend many short corners. Jenny, Anna, Kim and Sarah all did amazingly to keep the D clear and send the ball up to Kate and Alice in the middle who worked heroically to create opportunities at the front. We had some great breaks from the forwards but unfortunately could never quite convert into goals. 

We battled on, the cycle of defend, attack, miss goal, track back seemed endless. Only broken when Hannah S decided to throw a strop at an unfair call just outside Wisbeach’s D. Was it a screech, was it a scream, was it a shout? We’re not sure. Was the ball thrown on the floor? Yes. Was there swearing? Yes. But was she carded… by some miracle - no!! But the team did award her LOM, not helped by her unsuccessful 1 to 1 combat attempt with the keeper on the floor to get the ball in the goal. 

Kate, Maddy T and Lucy all fought hard in the middle. Kate, a victim of a dodgy Wisbeach tackle, keen to fit in with the locals, pleaded with an umpire “go on give her a card” *Italian hand gesture*, but was unsuccessful. 

The eventful battle finished 1-1, but a fantastic effort by us to keep the score at a draw. MOM was joined between Kate and Lucy for amazing work in the middle, and Laura for her great goal and work at the front.

Wisbeach provided authentic Italian (overcooked) pasta. Looking forward to an Aperol and antipasti, we had to settle for a cuppa and a cupcake. 

*source Alice Wright, Jan 2023 (insisted she took credit for the reference)