Ladies 1 Vs Grove

In a brilliant last league game last night, the ladies played really well to secure a spot in Europe next year. Grove who hadnt dropped a single point all season were matched all over the pitch for the first 15 minutes but managed to take the lead from a close range shot. Our response was emphatic and 2 minutes later we drove up the pitch won a corner and Rachel Russel smashed home from the top. 1 - 1

In the second half we were beginning to get on top and some great work down the right put Julie on the baseline and she cooly squared to Heather for a simple tap in to take the lead. Grove were rattled but continued to push hard and were awarded a soft penalty which they converted to get it back to 2 - 2.

As the game moved into the final third Vikki was allowed to run into the Grove D and unleash a great strike right in the bottom corner to restore our lead at 3 - 2 and now the European spot was within touching distance. Grove were getting really frantic and Nikki Kidd earned herself a green card. With only about 8 minutes left a defensive slip up allowed Grove in 1 on 1 with Carmin and they converted to get level again 3 - 3.

The last few plays saw no clear cut chances and with the draw favouring us we sat it out to claim our first ever outdoor European place. A great effort by all and with the cup final looming on Saturday against the same team we should be very confident we can compete and win the cup.