Ladies 3rd XI Vs Matlock 2

Derby Ladies 3’s 0 – 1 Matlock Baileans 2's

A cold, grey windy morning and Derby Ladies 3’s were the early start at Moorways against Matlock Baileans 2's. This was our first game at Moorways since the club days in September having played our last home game at Wirksworth due to pitch availability. We welcomed Amy to her first game in the 3's this season and a new player to the club in Katy, unfortunately I was still stuck on the sideline. I’d decided that we needed to try and keep our attacking options open and play in a 3-4-3 “diamond" formation so we didn’t get pinned in too deep in our own half. We had a couple of subs again this week to help rest legs that were going to be doing a lot of running! 

The first half started well, Matlock enjoying some nice passages of play, however with some determined defending we managed to keep them out. Kayleigh in goal made some great saves, and we could tell that Matlock were becoming quite frustrated. We did manage some nice play ourselves and made it to their D but just couldn’t make the final ball count. 0-0 at half-time. 

Half time brought the usual socially distanced Haribos and some words of encouragement, we really had played well and felt that we had a chance to get something from this game. We could hear the Matlock players discussing how to beat Kayleigh in goal so we knew we were getting to them.

Second half started and we continued to work hard, pressing and moving the ball well with some really super passages of play down the right wing in particular, however we still couldn’t make our chances count. Matlock won a short corner halfway through the half which they converted with a bit of a soft goal really, we’d dealt with much more difficult shots in the game, but there you go. We continued to press and work hard but eventually the final whistle went and we had lost 1-0.

Disappointing not to take something from the game, but as each game passes we do keep improving and I thought today was some of the best hockey we’ve played this season. I’m sure that we will start to get results, we just need to persevere and improve like we have been. A huge team effort and I have to say that we give 100% every week, well played ladies!

Player of the match votes were split, and it was a two horse race. Katy had a great first game and got 5 votes but Kayleigh with her heroics in goal got 9. Well done everyone! 

Thanks once again to Biff for umpiring. Next week we travel to Ashbourne 2’s for a 1.30pm pb.