Ely Ladies 2's v Wisbech 3's

A dull, grey, sticky, humid day saw the opening game for Ely Ladies 2nd team against Wisbech. Turning up nice and early and obviously keen for the season ahead (see how long that lasts) the team welcomed two new players to the ranks; Evie Flack and goalkeeper Beth Park. Jess Felton-Page was hanging, having got in at 5am, and is a star for still turning up – now that’s commitment!!
The game started with Ely putting on the early pressure. Some good movement from forwards Evie Flack and Nat Jones gave the Wisbech defence something to think about. After a substitution on 15 minutes Tassie Ferentinos, who insist she "hates" hockey, used those football legs of hers to get into position and gently tap in a goal following a pass from Gemma Neal and a deflection off the stick of Amanda Baxter. It was the slowest, softest goal ever but the Wisbech goalkeeper was unable to react, giving Ely the lead on about 25 minutes.
Ely held out until the half time break which was much needed given the levels of fitness after a summer of no hockey. With our breaths back and feeling sufficiently rehydrated we were ready for the second half!
Ely had the majority of the play in the opening stages of the 2nd half, attacking Wisbech and creating a few chances but were unable to capitalise. Wisbech countered and had Ely on the hop a couple of times but some timely tackles from defenders Nicky Daish, Jess Felton-Page (despite the hangover) and Angelica Ferentinos added to some determined play and tackles from midfielder Amanda Baxter, Emily Clarke and co saw to it that Wisbech did not create any damaging chances. Aimee Cooper, Nat Jones and Rhianne Jones looked to be gelling well with some calm and impressive hockey being played within midfield keeping Wisbech at bay. Where Wisbech did get the odd shot on goal Beth Park came into her own and ensured that the ball did not hit the back board.
With a short corner awarded and the full time whistle blown, Wisbech pulled out all the stops and called forward their whole team to take part in the final short corner. This made for a tense ending to the match especially as one short corner turned into a second short corner. Ely however managed to deal with the final short corner and dispense of the ball ending the match with their first win of the season and 3 points!
Player of the match was Amanda Baxter and muppet of the match was Gemma Neal.
Thanks to those that watched; especially Julie Ingham and for bringing her gorgeous daughter Olivia who is most likely our lucky mascot!
Bring on next weekend..................