Today’s Cambridge ladies cup derby, Cambridge South I vs. Cambridge City III, provided a feast of entertainment and controversy for onlookers at a windswept St. Catz pitch.

In spite of a break of almost two months, South had a strong start, with attacking play from the first push back and some impressive passing up the pitch. However, whether it was the blinding sunlight or slight lack of touch after the long holiday, South struggled to gain momentum as the half drew on. City appeared well drilled and repeatedly pushed South into their defensive third. Even with this unrelenting pressure, South displayed robust defending with some well timed interceptions by Ellie Raffin and saves off the line by Keeper Cassie Woodfin. City knew they were onto something though and continued to bombard, eventually rewarding their efforts with a well executed goal. This was followed not long after by a second.

Despite the unhelpful score line, South clearly felt encouraged by their now infamous second half comeback record and after an intense team talk, returned to the pitch with renewed competitive vigor. In Rhi’s words we began to play ‘our game’ and it looked like a different team had taken to the pitch. Movement off the ball and passing was much improved, with some excellent pressure and interceptions by Alice Hug at centre forward. City appeared shaken and after the award of a free hit following a foul against Liles Dee (whilst making a beeline for goal), Hayley struck a powerful shot from the right, which was ultimately pinged into the left hand side of the goal by the modest Caroline “I just stuck my stick down” Maloney.

South capitalized on their new found confidence and not long after were awarded a short corner. The controversy of the game (and season so far!) involved a fantastic strike from the top of the D by Alice Hug which flew into City’s goal. The game continued and it was only five minutes after the centre push back had been taken that City made a rather unsporting appeal for a disallowed goal. Much to the disgruntlement of the South supporters on the sideline, the Umpiring team bowed to pressure and the goal was discounted (apparently it was a sweep into the goal). To their credit, South refused to let this affect their performance and they maintained their second half dominance by gaining another short corner. Following another straight strike from Alice, Liles Dee satisfied her goal hunger by smacking the ball into the back hand corner from a deflection.

Hopefully today’s game will have given the team considerable assurance for next week’s league clash against Cambridge City III.