Having admired Deeping’s new snazzy kit, the L5s started off positively: we passed well, made good use of space, and - with a substitute for each zone of the pitch and a relatively normal temperature - South were dominating.  We won tackles, Harry and Hattie distributed the ball effectively, Kat and Vinny made some great runs, and Helen, Rittman, Naomi and Nicky kept Deeping’s goalie busy with a range of shots.  The Dragon’s forays into our D were rare, although Nicole (who had kindly stepped into the damp goalie kit for her second game of the day) did make a fantastic save, batting the ball away at head height earning her PoM noms.  A little taste of the aerial challenges to come…. And then a driving pass from Fi put Rittman on strike, and she put away a super birthday goal!  We went into half time 1-0 up.  
 
So, what was in the Bourne Deeping half time sweeties?  Because they came out with a great deal more pace, closing down our passing, pressing the ball, and putting us under pressure.  Having conceded a short corner, I did think it strangely paternal when the umpire checked that the South backline all had a face mask on.  Cue: an impressive drag flick that zinged into the top right corner of the goal.  I was running 1, but frankly, I was watching that ball travel.  Re-starting, Deeping showed off some impressive aerials, not something we often get to play against.   And the balance of play shifted away from South: we struggled to keep our width, get the ball out from our 16 through their press, and cope with the attacking overload.  However, Rebecca, Avi and Fi kept digging the ball out of defence, and whilst I out-lemoned myself with a calamitous, gum shield spitting substitution balls-up, Julie earned PoM noms for her fabulous challenges and recycling of the ball under pressure.  
 
Unfortunately, conceding another short corner, South were frustrated as the Dragons scored a second goal with the same drag flick shot into the top right.  Try as we might, we could not draw even in the final minutes and the match ended with South 2-1 down.  However, on the upside there were no cards this week, not even a postcard from Polly (aka the ‘caged animal’) who was off on her hollibobs (#wheredidshego?).