Defeat a steep learning curve for ladies

A young Pelicans Ladies 2nds team were given a steep learning curve by an efficient and clinical St Neots side during a 7-2 East Women’s Division 3 North West defeat at Alive Lynnsport on Saturday.The home side started the game in a determined manner and very quickly took the lead through Alexa Osler who tapped the ball home at the far post after some great build-up play through the midfield.This sparked St Neots into life and before too long they had pulled a goal back after overloading the Pelicans defence.The game then settled into an even contest with both teams moving the ball across the midfield, St Neots just edged the possession in attack to carve out more shots on goal than Pelicans.Midway through the first half, this paid off when they took the lead.Lara Dunbar worked hard in goal and made numerous great saves to deny St Neots who had to work the ball around her to get a chance of scoring – which they did three times in the first half.A short corner strike from Tracy Bower pulled one goal back before half-time to give Pelicans some hope of a second-half revival. In the second half St Neots kept possession well and again moved the ball around in attack to carve out two more goals. Pelicans battled to the last whistle but couldn’t add any more goals to their tally despite some good runs upfront from their three attacking players.Throughout the game, the midfield combinations all worked hard for each other and when the short sharp passes were strung together, they ripped through the St Neots midfield.All of the Pelicans defenders made timely tackles and broke down the St Neots attacking plays and when they did get through Dunbar was there to block and clear the ball. Although it was a tough one to take, this Pelicans team will all grow from the experience.Player of the Match: Lucie Wicks.The ladies 2nds are in home action again this weekend when Cambridge University IV are the visitors to Alive Lynnsport (1pm).

Hockey Greg Plummer