A Goalie's-Eye View by Zehra Nizami.

Final score: 3 -1

POM: Vinnie and Meg

LOM: Avi

Goals:

1st half 5 min: Cambridge South - Meg M

1st half 27 min: Cambridge South - Esther H

2nd half 12 min: Pelicans

2nd half 23 min: Cambridge South - Vinnie

Facing a match with a bottom-of-the-table team is not one that typically stokes a fire, but the Cambridge South L4 team had a point to prove after a disappointing loss away to the Pelicans 2s earlier in the season. Now at home, and following a rousing pep-talk from Nev, even the relentless February drizzle could not put out the spark of a team determined to immediately get off on the right foot. Specifically, the lightning fast feet of Meg M, who once again weaved her way down the right flank, ultimately resulting in a goal at just 5 minutes into the match. South continued to dominate the first half, with excellent movement amongst the midfield and forward lines, deservedly being capped by another goal at 27 minutes by Esther. The dynamism of this play in the first half is reflected in the wide range of nominations for player of the match, with mentions going to Meg, Vinnie, Esther, and Becky D. The L4s managed all this choreography despite the great potential confusion generated by Avi, who opted to wear the black and white striped socks that seemed so Pelicanesque that they secured her a firm Lemon-of-the-Match vote.

Such was the domination in the first half, that the beginning of the second half came as somewhat of a surprise! Of course, the wise words of our collective coaches of yesteryear will have been ringing in our ears - beware of the false promises of a 2-0 lead, and beware of the first and last 5 minutes of a half! The Pelicans came out a-blazing, with some sudden pressure being applied for a good 15 minutes or so, including a nifty tip into the goal to bring the match to 2-1. Nonetheless, this period will ultimately be remembered fondly for the impressive mobilisation of the defensive unit comprising Rosie (who got many a POM shout out as well in the match), Ellie, Zehra (GK), and Faye (including a goal-line save, huzzah!). There was a lot of creative work coming out of 16-yard hits, which has featured in many training sessions including this last week, and which was duly rewarded by a wonderful goal that started with Rosie at left back, swinging it all the way to the right to Faye and moving up beautifully in text-book fashion up the centre and right midfield before being finished emphatically by Vinnie. This goal firmly switched the match back into South's hands, resulting in many further amazing opportunities for the forward line who were very unlucky not to net another 2 or 3 goals at least. The video replay will show many hands on heads elicted from some of the balls that whizzed just right of the goal. 

All in all, a very satisfying result for the L4s, and great fun was had by all.