ECHC L1 vs Norwich Dragons 2

Ely Ladies defeat the Dragons!
This Saturday saw Ely Ladies 1st host the Norwich Dragon 2 XI, another unknown team who certainly meant business turning up with a squad of 14. But after a good ballet warm up led by Fi Bartley Ely weren't going to be easily intimidated by this impressive looking squad.
The match started at a quick pace with both teams moving the ball well. Ely defended strongly and showed real character soaking up a number of Dragon attacks, before making some impressive attacking play, with Amanda Baxter coming close on a couple of occasions. Both teams were unable to capitalise on chances so it was all level at half time.
The second half was much more eventful. With Ely making a slow start the Dragons took advantage and put the Ely defence under real pressure. Luckily for Ely, Kat Bamber was on top form and made some brilliant saves keeping the Dragons at bay. Ely had very few chances in the second half, but a quick break saw them win a short corner, Ali Chapman made a great tactical decision which exploited their keeper's weakness, and saw Narissa Gipp put the ball in the back of the net.
Being one goal down the Dragons came back fighting and the game got very tense, but the defence held up well and never gave up, with Annie giving her mum a helping hand on the pitch and Bamber playing out of her skin! After a slightly harsh decision Narissa Gipp received a green card, for talking back, but as the game neared its conclusion the Dragons missed a number of chances and were even stopped by the post.
So the game ended 1-0 to the host side a great result for a real gutsy team performance.