For some reason, Wilby hasn’t brought out the best in us this season and overall, it was a bit of a frustrating match for the 4s against City this weekend (and we can’t blame it all on the dodgy pitch and sunshine!) Despite some solid play from all members of the team, we struggled to find the backboard and City had a couple of short corner chances which they used effectively to move into the lead 1-0 at half time.

The second half started with a flourish as Kendra & Bex make a quick attack at the goal taking City by surprise. A number of short corners throughout the game should have given us a chance to score (rightly or wrongly given…at least it was sunny…) and we were unlucky in open play a few times. It definitely felt like we had more of the play in the second half, but City broke away at one point and scored a clinical goal leaving us 2-0 down. 

The game saw excellent performances from several brown-haired South players (who knows who they are Nic?), with the midfield trio of Lou, El, Ruth and Avi particularly impressive. They worked tirelessly to intercept City’s attack and push forward when possible. As ever, goalkeeper Zehra was fantastic. Her quick reflexes and solid shot-stopping kept City at bay for much of the game, though there was a minor scare near the post with a slow-moving ball (It’s mine!). 

In the end, player of the match was awarded to Lou, for ‘being a nuisance’, with rightful nominations for Avi, El, Ruth and Bex. Lemon went to Kendra for forgetting her mouthguard, passing the ball to her friend (a City player), and—perhaps most controversially—voting for herself for the Lemon award.

A disappointing result with plenty to work on, here’s hoping we get some training this week. But still some good hockey to take with us into the last match of the year. Here’s hoping for some goals next Saturday!