On what turned out to be a beautiful spring day at The Nest after the morning fog had cleared, the women's 3s took to the pitch determined to put last week's disappointment behind them.
Magpies started slowly after a sluggish warm up, the early start causing a few problems for those who had been out late the night before. However the team soon hit their stride and began to pass the ball around fluidly, disrupting Dragons with the press that has been the source of so much success this season. With Amy H, Siena, Charlotte & Alyssa controlling the midfield, the forward line of Katie, Lily & Perdie were able to put a lot of pressure on the Dragons defence, often turning the ball over high up the pitch. As Dragons were attempting to transfer the ball around the back, birthday girl Katie K gambled and intercepted the ball in the D, after some silky skills to move the ball around the keeper she slotted home calmly to take the score to 1-0. The rest of the first half was a similar picture, with Magpies putting pressure on all over the pitch. When Dragons were able to make a break up the pitch, the defence of Dulcie, Frances & Amy F were able to prevent any danger with Catherine only being required to make one save. Magpies were unlucky not to extend their lead in the first half, with Meg & Kit continuing the excellent work up front, turning the ball over and forcing saves from the keeper.
Coach Robbie requested more energy in the second half, some players had a lie down and others fuelled up with sweets but the outcome was the one Robbie desired. Shortly after the whistle, Lily turned the ball over in the middle of the pitch and used her explosive pace to beat the Dragons defenders. She continued her drive into the D and struck the ball hard, scoring low in the right corner from an acute angle. Again Magpies piled on the pressure and Dragons struggled to outlet the ball. Alyssa & Siena worked hard on the left and had many successful turnovers. One of these released Siena to dribble into the D, beating defenders and getting a ball away to Kit who deflected the ball in at the back post. Tensions rose on the pitch, one of the Dragons defenders was awarded a yellow card and a Magpies player a green card. Soon after Dragons were reduced to 10 players, the birthday girl stole the ball high up the pitch and hit a clean strike to take the score to 4-0.
An excellent performance leaves the team in a strong position with four games to go.
Player of the match - Lily Minns
*Thank you to Amy F & Frances who were at the club before our game to help clear the sand pitch after flooding during the week.
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