After a succession of losses, Cambs South ladies arrived at the Uni pitch with a renewed sense of determination to boost their league table standing.

Initial pandemonium with players playing for the wrong team and turning up to the wrong pitches, led on to South collecting themselves for a strong start following a rousing team talk from Captain Ellie. Possession was predominately ours for all of the first 15 minutes, with some excellent passing around the midfield and some shots in the D. However, Rutland began to fight back and after 20 minutes were awarded a short corner. Unfortunately the straight strike resulted in a deflection off a South defender past Loopy’s pads.

Despite this initial set back, with encouragement from our much appreciated supporters of HABs (husbands and boyfriends) and some of the men’s 1s, South showed real determination and immediately went on the counter attack. Demonstrating her dribbling skills, Bex took the ball past a number of Rutland players and slipped the ball to Georgie who then nudged the ball on to Alice at the top of the D. The ball was struck with an almighty thwack and flew into the goal through the keepers legs.

Feeling confident, the second half began positively for South with more possession and some great runs/passing up the left by Birgit and Serin in to the opposition D. This ultimately resulted in South gaining a short corner, which after receiving the ball on her strong side from Bex’s push out, Georgie hit straight in to the right hand corner of the goal. Rutland then proceeded to have several breaks which were effectively mopped up by Lindsey, Ellie, Julie and Lou. The new ‘V’ defending formation was put in to play and worked well (thanks David). It was only upon the award of another short corner for Rutland that they were able to equalise, despite the excellent first save by Loopy of the straight strike.

By this point, it was clear that the Southern girls were not going to let their hard work end in a draw. They surged forward again with another break and won a final short corner. After some slightly chaotic and nail biting scrabbling around the goal, Bex pushed the ball over the line for a very well deserved third goal for South.

Despite another last ditch attempt by Rutland to score off a short in the last few minutes of the game, South were able to hold on to their league and were thrilled when the final whistle blew! A great result for a tough game against very able opposition. Hopefully South can take confidence from the improved team work on display and give Peterborough a run for their money next Saturday!