We knew it would be a tough battle heading into our away match against Newmarket — and we were right!
Arriving with a strong squad of 16, we were well-prepared for a lot of running and a hard-fought game.

We started brilliantly, dominating the first five minutes with most of the play inside Newmarket’s D. On their notoriously slow pitch, meeting the ball early and maintaining pace was crucial. Newmarket had some skilled players through the middle, keeping us on our toes throughout.

In the first half, Newmarket converted a short corner to go 1–0 up. We also had a couple of short corners of our own, but unfortunately none found the back of the net. We went into halftime 1–0 down, but confident the game was still very much within reach.

The second half began with another Newmarket goal, putting us 2–0 behind. Despite this setback, we continued to play some lovely hockey and held much of the possession — though our familiar challenge of converting chances into goals lingered. Thankfully, Charlotte came to the rescue, showing great skill to drive into the D and slot the ball home. 

We strung together some excellent play down the lines, with Jas making strong runs across the pitch and Izzy driving confidently down the right-hand side. Our attacking intent did, however, leave our defence slightly exposed at times, leading to some one-on-one moments for Lydia — who rose to the challenge with a series of brilliant saves to keep us in the game. Nic also held the defence by taking a ball to the leg, eanring her a rather large bruise. 

We continued to press, creating more short corners and chances with CJ determined to score against her previous team. However, it was Mo who finally broke through, gettingthe ball over the line to make it 2–2. With only a few minutes left, we pushed hard for a winner — one ball even coming within millimetres of the line — but it just wasn’t to be. We finished with a hard-earned draw.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an L2s match without a few dramatic tumbles (some caught on camera this time!). Izzy took a tumble in midfield, Freya ended up in a floor battle with their keeper, and I (Zoë) managed a couple of rather theatrical falls myself — though I did win the ball back after one of them! These antics earned me LOM, helped along by my earlier inability to read which colour we were playing in on Spond.

Despite Katy’s promise of cake, it was Jenny who delivered the post-match treats — delicious lemon & poppy seed cupcakes and flapjacks courtesy of my mother. Here’s hoping Katy brings the goods next time!

POM’s went to Jas for her all round great play across the pitch and Lydia for some fantastic saves.

We’re ready for our next home fixture against Newmarket, aiming to repeat last year’s pattern — a draw away and a win at home.