The early push-back of Saturday's derby match between Cambridge South 1sts, sponsored by PwC, and Cambridge City 3rds perhaps explained a slightly slow start from both teams. After a few minutes, the nominal visitors looked impressive in one of their first short corners, neatly crossing the D a few times and eventually taking a goal off the rebound. It was not long before South replied with a goal of their own after Gemma picked up a rebound and lifted it over the goalies foot. South now in their game were moving the ball around well. The next goal arrived before half time, with a number of South's forwards steering the ball towards goal and Liles having the final touch. Persistence in the goal area proved essential to get past City's experienced goalkeeper. Sometime during the first half of the game, South gained the benefit of booming encouragement from the sideline, noticeably Becca.

Half time, South were 2-1 up. South had played well in the first half and continued to improve throughout, but everyone agreed at half time that we could be more alert and improve accuracy and speed of passes. The third goal came when South's forwards were backed up by Ciara who took the ball back in to the D, swiped the ball towards goal on her reverse stick to be tapped in by Clare. Going for the fourth goal, Hayley made a dramatic dive towards goal, unfortunately failing to get the ball in the back of the net. A short corner provided another opportunity for goal, where the ball was injected to Tash, who smacked it sweetly only to be deflected off the oppositions stick. The ball flew over the back net, nearly in to the car park by a police van.

South's backs kept a robust line of defence enabling the team to focus on linking the play and moving the ball up forward. City continued to make their attacks on South. When they did break through our defence, Cassie was there, making some impressive diving saves to keep South's lead.

After Hayley's dives, and other attacking play, it seemed ironic that a push from a short-corner was the shot to evade City's defence. Clare's shot drifted gently through all the defence and past the goalie to make it 4-1.

It was a good result for South, especially since City played well and never gave up. South were more persistent on goal. As ever South's commitment to 'the beautiful game' (ahem) was marked by bloody socks as a result of minor injuries this week to Hayley and Ciara. Well done all.