Ely Ladies 2 XI v Cambs City 6 XI

A game of 1000 chances…..

Given the frosty start to the day, any doubt about whether the days matches would take place were soon put to rest thanks to the sun shining down and following a positive pitch inspection by Mens 2s Captain Graeme Allott.

Ely Ladies 2s pushed back their match 12.45pm against Cambridge City, and if there was ever a match with 1000 chances, today was that match.

Throughout the first half both teams had their chances to take the lead. Ciaran Hornby cleared the ball from the line during one hair-raising moment for Ely and likewise Ely sent hairs raising through the Cambridge side with some excellent play in midfield, linking with forwards, Abi Day and Zara Gilbert and working the ball into the Cambridge D to create chances at the other end of the pitch, however, excellent goalkeeping at both ends saw to it that the first half finished 0-0.

With the second half starting much like the first half; the slightest lapse in concentration at either end was going to be the difference between a 0-0 draw and one team taking the win. Ely however began to dominate the match and finding confidence and their voices, upped the pressure on the Cambridge side. Cambridge were resilient in their defence and continued to create some chances at the Ely end.

With 10 minutes to go, Ely suffered a blow, with Amanda Baxter taking a ball to the head and having to leave the pitch and head to A&E.

As the match resumed, with Sarah Sutton taking up Amanda’s position, Gemma Bridges coming on into midfield, Abi Day moving into defence and Emily Underwood moving to attack, Ely continued to put pressure on the Cambridge defence. With just 5 mins left and still at 0-0, a super pass from Sarah Sutton, found it’s way to Kendle Putter who was able to take a strike at goal, this time, finally beating the Cambridge goalkeeper who had been on form all afternoon, and hitting the backboard with force, giving Ely the lead.

As the final minutes ticked away Cambridge tried to find an equaliser and as the final whistle went they were awarded a short corner. A nervous crowd watched on as Cambridge got a strike off, however keeper Kat Bamber and defender Fran Flack displayed excellent keeper and defensive skills and saw to it that the ball didn’t find it’s way into the Ely goal. Another short corner was awarded to Cambridge, and as the tension rose in the dying minutes, this time, defender Gemma Neal was able to sprint out to the Cambridge attacker and stop the strike, sending the ball out of the D and in to the safety of Ely’s midfield. A nail-biting finish to the match saw Ely, deservedly, taking all 3 points.

The single goal was dedicated to Amanda Baxter who, thankfully we can report, after suffering a nasty cut to her temple, avoided stitches but didn’t avoid a lovely shiner of a bruise; one that will need some explaining over the next few weeks, is doing fine and will be back playing as soon as she is able.

Player of the match was jointly awarded to Kendle Putter for the only goal of the match and Emily Underwood for a great performance in midfield. Muppet of the match was awarded to Gemma Neal for tripping over her own feet.