Newmarket Ladies 3rd XI v Ely Ladies 2nd XI

The Team:
Sophie Robb, Ellie Alderton, Angelica Ferentinos, Nat Jones, Aimee Cooper, Tassie Ferentinos, Poppy Asker, Gemma Neal (C), Nicky Daish, Evie Flack, Rhianne Jones, Kerry Newson.

The match started with an injury to honorary coach, Pete Jones who for no reason at all managed to pull or twist something meaning that the whole team had to gather around him to check he was OK. Some people will do anything for attention. So with that "drama" over the match began. But more dramas were yet to come. Ely started a bit shaky but soon got into their groove and after being awarded a penalty corner, Ellie Alderton struck the ball hard into the backboard giving Ely a 1-0 advantage. Ely's defence held out as Newmarket attempted to bring the score level however the first half finished with Ely the better off.

The second half saw Ely start strong. The midfield worked hard to create some good play and help Ely retain possession of the ball. As Ely continued to build the pressure on Newmarket with numerous shots on goal, Ellie Alderton was able to convert one of these shots making the score line 2-0 to Ely and allowing Ely to relax a little bit.

Ely continued to play well with the defence hardly being troubled, but after 19 minutes into the second half Poppy Asker unfortunately sustained an injury to her ankle, halting the game for a good 10 minutes and forcing Poppy to be carried off the pitch. This was a massive blow for Ely as Poppy had worked tirelessly in midfield aiding towards Ely's 2-0 score line.

None the less Ely were fortunate enough to have a sub and once the game got underway with a good 15 minutes left, Ely continued to show they were the better team. With further good play in midfield and the defence standing strong and some exceptional play by Rhianne Jones as left back, Ely's forwards were able to continue to pressure Newmarket and if not for some good saves from the Newmarket goal keeper Ely could quite easily have increased their score line. As it was, the match ended with Ely the clear winners with a somewhat comfortable 2-0 win.

Poppy was taken to Addenbrookes by Ambulance and has a bad sprain and stretched ligaments which will take up to 6 weeks to heal. Everyone wishes Poppy a speedy recovery.

Man of the match went to Rhianne Jones for her superb performance as left back and Muppet of the match of course, lovingly, went to Poppy who was packed off to Addenbrookes laughing with Kermit! See photos!!