Under new captaincy and playing at a new (some what earlier time), Cambridge South Ladies started the 2006/07 campaign with a friendly against Ely Ladies 1st team. They played in the league above so, on paper, it was going to be a tough opener. New captain Becca instigated a few pre match warm-ups and we were off.

After some initial end-to-end play a loose pass by an Ely defender was pounced on by Gemma who took the ball into the D and shot into the bottom left hand corner. Moments later and South were awarded a short corner; Liles passed short to Tash who fired the ball home through a crowded goal mouth to extend the lead.

A period of frantic play followed. Ely appeared to camp in the South D, and some excellent defending, by Becca, Sally, Ellie and Julie ensured out lead remained until Ely won a short corner. They fired this home, only to be awarded another and draw level minutes later. A third short was given but this time Jenny proved more than a match and turned the ball wide. So half time arrived with the score a respectable 2-2.

Shortly after the break Ely scored a third, but South did not give up. A penalty flick was awarded as someone on the line had big feet and Ely looked all set to make it 4, but they hadn’t counted on Souths new keeper Lou (Coached by the ever enthusiastic Cassie). After saving the first attempted but being penalised for moving too soon, Lou saved the second shot too. Brilliant.

South had their chances to equalise late on in the game but it wasn’t to be. However I think we can all agree that for our first match of the season we all played well, with periods of flowing hockey, particularly down the left with Emma and Liz combining well and Liles and Jo and Louise down the right.