At 8pm on a very cold Friday night Dawlish ladies faced Plymouth University in the first round of the cup. Following some depleted Dawlish turnouts it was a full team with substitutes that braved the cold night air.
From the start it was a fast paced and physical game but the young Dawlish players of Rhiannon Depla, Amy Reed and Mel Barnes were strong from the start. Plymouth opened the scoring going one nil up and demonstrating that in front of goal they are not going to hold back.
The Dawlish side fought back with great attacking runs and Helen Nicholson broke through the Uni midfield and with one man to go was obstructed falling dramatically. Dawlish break again and this time Nicholson plays the ball into Denise McMahon in the D who holds the ball up and shoots to level the score.
The back two of Many Lovell and Sue Trout keep the Uni forwards at bay but before half time they go ahead again. Dawlish come back strong in the second half winning a succession of short corners from positive attacking play. Anne Darby’s short corner is played to Nicholson who finds a way through the defenders and scores to level the score.
Plymouth seemed determined not to go home with anything less than a win and in the pursuit of their winning goal it was the Dawlish players not the goal which took a beating. A high shot from the top of the D hit Anne Darby in the face and Dawlish lost their right half.
The next Dawlish player to receive a high ball to the body was influential mid field player Lottie Young who took the full blow the arm. Uni eventually found away past the Dawlish defence and Keeper Sarah Webster to take the lead again.
Dawlish continued to fight hard but once Young left the field to leave a ten man Dawlish Uni took advantage and took the game out of Dawlish’s reach to make the final score 2-4.
League match vs. Ottery Crickets
It was a slightly worse of wear Dawlish team that faced Ottery Crickets last Saturday following their physical match against Plymouth University the previous evening but none the less a full side keen to record a league victory.
Dawlish controlled the game from the whistle and despite last night’s injury Anne Darby made some great runs down the right wing which Grace Clifford was unfortunate not to convert to open the scoring.
Despite the positive start it was not long before Dawlish seemed to be suffering from playing their second match in 24 hours and were letting the match be played at Crickets pace and style. It was Crickets who eventually scored before half time finally finding a way past Dawlish Keeper Sarah Webster.
Dawlish came out positive again in the second half with Jess Green showing no signs of slowing down as she out ran the Crickets defenders. Fresh legs of Amy and Liz Reed came on to replace injured Nicholson and Young and the pace of the game turned to Dawlish’s advantage. The home side showed strength and control in midfield from Gemma Wilkes and Lizzie Reed and some great movement sent Jess Green on another great run into the Crickets D and passed the keeper to level the scores.
Dawlish were disappointed not to get a second goal with Green coming close again but at the final whistle some tried legs were happy to leave the field with a point.
Saturday 29 November 2008
Saturday 22 November 2008
Close to a Win
Once again Dawlish Ladies were traveling away from home with a depleted side fielding only a nine man side for the second week in a row and it was not a positive team that took to the pitch.
But despite the lack of numbers the Dawlish team that made the trip to Exeter to face the young ISCA 4ths team gave 110% from the push back.
Mandy Lovell and Natasha Bailey were solid at the back putting in strong tackles to keep the ISCA out of shooting range. Sarah Webster the Dawlish goalie gave the young ISCA forwards who did get through a battle to open the scoring.
However on the counter attack the ISCA forwards broke the Dawlish back line and ISCA went one nil up.
Lizzie Reed and Lottie Young were strong in central midfield and controlled the game but with only two up front Dawlish fail to capitalise despite Jess Green coming close with a one on one with the keeper and ISCA make it two nil at half time.
Half time and Dawlish are determined that they can come back from two nil down, Dawlish start to control the game with some great runs from the right by Jess green. Dawlish finally get the break they have worked for and a shot from Helen Nicholson finds it way round the keeper to put the scores at two one.
Dawlish continued to put pressure on the ISCA backs with Anne Darby making some great attacking runs and the Dawlish forwards putting the ISCA goalie under constant pressure.
As the final whistle drew close Dawlish just could not get the ball into the back of the ISCA goal despite some shots great shots coming close from Lottie Young and Gemma Wilkes.
The nine man Dawlish side played a with the strength and passion of a full side but were always going to be in trouble playing with two men short. But for the second week in a row they left the pitch so close to a win which it seemed would have been simple had they started with a full team.
But despite the lack of numbers the Dawlish team that made the trip to Exeter to face the young ISCA 4ths team gave 110% from the push back.
Mandy Lovell and Natasha Bailey were solid at the back putting in strong tackles to keep the ISCA out of shooting range. Sarah Webster the Dawlish goalie gave the young ISCA forwards who did get through a battle to open the scoring.
However on the counter attack the ISCA forwards broke the Dawlish back line and ISCA went one nil up.
Lizzie Reed and Lottie Young were strong in central midfield and controlled the game but with only two up front Dawlish fail to capitalise despite Jess Green coming close with a one on one with the keeper and ISCA make it two nil at half time.
Half time and Dawlish are determined that they can come back from two nil down, Dawlish start to control the game with some great runs from the right by Jess green. Dawlish finally get the break they have worked for and a shot from Helen Nicholson finds it way round the keeper to put the scores at two one.
Dawlish continued to put pressure on the ISCA backs with Anne Darby making some great attacking runs and the Dawlish forwards putting the ISCA goalie under constant pressure.
As the final whistle drew close Dawlish just could not get the ball into the back of the ISCA goal despite some shots great shots coming close from Lottie Young and Gemma Wilkes.
The nine man Dawlish side played a with the strength and passion of a full side but were always going to be in trouble playing with two men short. But for the second week in a row they left the pitch so close to a win which it seemed would have been simple had they started with a full team.
Saturday 15 November 2008
Not a confident Dawlish team
Due to injury and a number of players being away it was just a nine man Dawlish side which took the trip to Ottery St Mary to face Honiton Hornets II. Despite a positive start to the season and some good training sessions it was not a confident Dawlish team that took to the field.
From the push back it was clear that the Dawlish side were going to have a tough afternoon and have to work 100% to not let the opposition run away with the game. Dawlish were extremely grateful to have experienced back Rose Carpenter in the side with Natasha Bailey giving the Hornets forwards a battle to capitalise on their two man advantage.
Dawlish battled hard but eventually the inevitable happened and Honiton broke through the Dawlish back line and with a lucky deflection opened the scoring. Despite Sarah Webster the Dawlish Keeper and Captain making some impressive diving saves Honiton found a way through the Dawlish defence again before half time to take a two goal lead.
Dawlish did manage to break on the counter attack and Jess Green used her speed and close stick control to make some strong runs down the right and hold up the ball until support arrived. As the half time whistle approached it was Dawlish who were looking more likely to score with Amy Reed and Anne Darby joining the Dawlish strike force. Unfortunately for Dawlish the first half came to an end before they could capitalise on their possession.
It was a long second half for Dawlish’s nine players; Lizzie Reed’s work rate was tireless in the middle of the Dawlish midfield continuing to battle to win back possession and turn the play into a positive attack. Dawlish were starting put pressure on the Hornet’s defence once again but this time it was Honiton who broke on the counter attack and with the two man advantage took the score to three goals clear.
Dawlish were down but not out and within moments of Hornets getting their third Helen Nicholson and Jess Green broke into the Hornet’s half and with some skilful one touch hockey were unlucky not to make the final touch for a deserved goal. Dawlish continued to play positive hockey and Gemma Wilkes was unlucky not to score her first goal for the club after receiving the ball at the keeper’s feet.
It is fair to say that a full Dawlish team would have given the Honiton Hornets a real run for their money as the nine man side that lost three nil this Saturday certainly did not make it easy for them and put in a positive team performance.
From the push back it was clear that the Dawlish side were going to have a tough afternoon and have to work 100% to not let the opposition run away with the game. Dawlish were extremely grateful to have experienced back Rose Carpenter in the side with Natasha Bailey giving the Hornets forwards a battle to capitalise on their two man advantage.
Dawlish battled hard but eventually the inevitable happened and Honiton broke through the Dawlish back line and with a lucky deflection opened the scoring. Despite Sarah Webster the Dawlish Keeper and Captain making some impressive diving saves Honiton found a way through the Dawlish defence again before half time to take a two goal lead.
Dawlish did manage to break on the counter attack and Jess Green used her speed and close stick control to make some strong runs down the right and hold up the ball until support arrived. As the half time whistle approached it was Dawlish who were looking more likely to score with Amy Reed and Anne Darby joining the Dawlish strike force. Unfortunately for Dawlish the first half came to an end before they could capitalise on their possession.
It was a long second half for Dawlish’s nine players; Lizzie Reed’s work rate was tireless in the middle of the Dawlish midfield continuing to battle to win back possession and turn the play into a positive attack. Dawlish were starting put pressure on the Hornet’s defence once again but this time it was Honiton who broke on the counter attack and with the two man advantage took the score to three goals clear.
Dawlish were down but not out and within moments of Hornets getting their third Helen Nicholson and Jess Green broke into the Hornet’s half and with some skilful one touch hockey were unlucky not to make the final touch for a deserved goal. Dawlish continued to play positive hockey and Gemma Wilkes was unlucky not to score her first goal for the club after receiving the ball at the keeper’s feet.
It is fair to say that a full Dawlish team would have given the Honiton Hornets a real run for their money as the nine man side that lost three nil this Saturday certainly did not make it easy for them and put in a positive team performance.
Saturday 8 November 2008
A Real Battle of a Match
A ten man Dawlish team took the trip down to face Dart in Ivybridge on Saturday expecting tough match.
Dart made a strong start with a clear message that they were in it for a win and nothing less, but Dawlish, although missing some of the spark from last week’s battle against Ashmoor, were not going to let Dart control the game.
Neither side were giving anything away with strong defence and tight play in the midfield. The Dawlish back two of Mandy Lovell and Natasha Bailey fought off the strong runs from the Dart forwards, but Dawlish were missing the extra man and struggling to get out of their own half despite great work from the midfield particularly from Lizzie Reed who battled had all afternoon.
At half time score was still 0-0 but Dawlish Captain Sara Webster was determined that they could get something out of this match.
As Dawlish has expected this was a physical game and shortly into the second half a green card was shown to a Dart player following a second bad tackle, the younger Dawlish forwards were feeling the pressure of such an intense match. Dart finally took control of the game and went one nil up shortly doubling their lead with a second. Dawlish needed to turn it up a gear but were tiring with only 10 men.
The frustration was showing and after giving everything and controlling the midfield Lottie Young received a green card following a controversial umpire decision. But Dawlish found the strength to turn up the gears and get back in the game with some positive attacking play using their pace and skill to take on the Dart defence. Mel Barnes made a great run from the left to the back post, after some strong play from Gemma Wilkes, Barnes put the ball in the Dart goal and Dawlish back in the game with 10 minutes to go.
Dawlish continued to run at the Dart back line, with great pace on the right from Anne Darby and Jess Green, and with a few minutes left on the clock Helen Nicholson took the pass from Young and went through the Dart defence and around the keeper to put the scores level.
After a real battle of a match Dawlish were pleased to pull the game back from 2-0 down to level the scores at full time.
Dart made a strong start with a clear message that they were in it for a win and nothing less, but Dawlish, although missing some of the spark from last week’s battle against Ashmoor, were not going to let Dart control the game.
Neither side were giving anything away with strong defence and tight play in the midfield. The Dawlish back two of Mandy Lovell and Natasha Bailey fought off the strong runs from the Dart forwards, but Dawlish were missing the extra man and struggling to get out of their own half despite great work from the midfield particularly from Lizzie Reed who battled had all afternoon.
At half time score was still 0-0 but Dawlish Captain Sara Webster was determined that they could get something out of this match.
As Dawlish has expected this was a physical game and shortly into the second half a green card was shown to a Dart player following a second bad tackle, the younger Dawlish forwards were feeling the pressure of such an intense match. Dart finally took control of the game and went one nil up shortly doubling their lead with a second. Dawlish needed to turn it up a gear but were tiring with only 10 men.
The frustration was showing and after giving everything and controlling the midfield Lottie Young received a green card following a controversial umpire decision. But Dawlish found the strength to turn up the gears and get back in the game with some positive attacking play using their pace and skill to take on the Dart defence. Mel Barnes made a great run from the left to the back post, after some strong play from Gemma Wilkes, Barnes put the ball in the Dart goal and Dawlish back in the game with 10 minutes to go.
Dawlish continued to run at the Dart back line, with great pace on the right from Anne Darby and Jess Green, and with a few minutes left on the clock Helen Nicholson took the pass from Young and went through the Dart defence and around the keeper to put the scores level.
After a real battle of a match Dawlish were pleased to pull the game back from 2-0 down to level the scores at full time.
Saturday 1 November 2008
A positive result against top of the league
Following their first win of the season last week Dawlish ladies were not expecting to continue the form facing tough opposition in new team Ashmoor. Ashmoor are top of the table, unbeaten this season and have racked up an impressive goal difference almost reaching double figures on a number of occasions. It was therefore not a win that Dawlish Ladies were aiming for on Saturday but to keep the goal average below double figures!
As expected Ashmoor started strongly with positive attacking play from a slick and organised squad. But with a positive attitude still with the Dawlish team from last week’s win they held strong at the back and it was clear that Ashmoor were going to have to work for this victory.
Dawlish’s back two Mandy Lovell and Natasha Bailey took everything that was thrown at them putting in solid tackles to keep the Ashmoor forwards from getting all but a handful of shots on goal despite their control of the game in the Dawlish half. The few shots that did get past the back two were kept out by Dawlish Keeper Sarah Webster with some impressive athletic saves.
Dawlish did have positive breaks forward on the counter attack and forced a short corner 15 minutes into the first half. Lizzie Reed passed the ball to Lottie Young whose hit on goal beat the keeper; the goal was not given as it was deemed Young’s shot was outside the D, however Dawlish proved they were not just there to defend.
As the half time whistle got nearer it became clear that Ashmoor were becoming frustrated with their inability to break the Dawlish defence and open up the scoring, but the half time whistle did come with the scores still at 0-0.
The second half started with Ashmoor even more determined to open up the scoring against Dawlish. Sarah Webster made a great diving stick save but the top of the table side kept the pressure on and with Webster on the floor Ashmoor finally got a goal to take the lead.
Dawlish continued to keep up their impressive work rate with their half’s putting in 110% to keep the Ashmoor forwards from running away with the game. Gemma Wilkes ran all afternoon tracking the Ashmoor forwards on their favoured right wing. Some impressive individual play from the Ashmoor captain led to their second goal, a well taken short corner left a tried Dawlish side three goals down.
But Dawlish were not finished, a strong team performance was sealed after some great work by Amy Reed to win the ball in the Ashmoor half, Anne Darby drove the ball into the D and Jess Green kept her head to give Dawlish a well deserved last minute goal. It was a positive Dawlish team that finished the game with a 3-1 defeat having put in an impressive team effort.
As expected Ashmoor started strongly with positive attacking play from a slick and organised squad. But with a positive attitude still with the Dawlish team from last week’s win they held strong at the back and it was clear that Ashmoor were going to have to work for this victory.
Dawlish’s back two Mandy Lovell and Natasha Bailey took everything that was thrown at them putting in solid tackles to keep the Ashmoor forwards from getting all but a handful of shots on goal despite their control of the game in the Dawlish half. The few shots that did get past the back two were kept out by Dawlish Keeper Sarah Webster with some impressive athletic saves.
Dawlish did have positive breaks forward on the counter attack and forced a short corner 15 minutes into the first half. Lizzie Reed passed the ball to Lottie Young whose hit on goal beat the keeper; the goal was not given as it was deemed Young’s shot was outside the D, however Dawlish proved they were not just there to defend.
As the half time whistle got nearer it became clear that Ashmoor were becoming frustrated with their inability to break the Dawlish defence and open up the scoring, but the half time whistle did come with the scores still at 0-0.
The second half started with Ashmoor even more determined to open up the scoring against Dawlish. Sarah Webster made a great diving stick save but the top of the table side kept the pressure on and with Webster on the floor Ashmoor finally got a goal to take the lead.
Dawlish continued to keep up their impressive work rate with their half’s putting in 110% to keep the Ashmoor forwards from running away with the game. Gemma Wilkes ran all afternoon tracking the Ashmoor forwards on their favoured right wing. Some impressive individual play from the Ashmoor captain led to their second goal, a well taken short corner left a tried Dawlish side three goals down.
But Dawlish were not finished, a strong team performance was sealed after some great work by Amy Reed to win the ball in the Ashmoor half, Anne Darby drove the ball into the D and Jess Green kept her head to give Dawlish a well deserved last minute goal. It was a positive Dawlish team that finished the game with a 3-1 defeat having put in an impressive team effort.
Sunday 26 October 2008
Dawlish Find a Return to Form
After a disappointing start to the season, Dawlish Ladies are yet to record a victory despite some strong performances, started against Exe V on Saturday with only ten players and things were not looking like improving. A ten man Dawlish took to the field determined but not optimistic of recording their first win of the season.
It was however clear after a few minutes that despite only having ten players on the field Dawlish were the stronger side and were controlling the game with ease. Before Dawlish could begin to capitalise on their strong start a young Exe player was injured with a ball off her own stick resulting in a large cut on her face. Dawlish Keeper and joint captain Sarah Webster took the stop in play as an opportunity for a quick rally call to the Dawlish team that this game was for the taking.
When play was under way Dawlish took control of the game quickly again, a strong run from Lottie Young into the D and Helen Nicholson ensured that the ball found the back of the goal to open the scoring.
The Dawlish Midfield completely controlled the rest of the first half with Exe unable to get out of their own half. Jess Green was unlucky not to add to the first goal with some great attacking play in the middle. With the pressure continuing on the Exe backs Helen Nicholson was forced to the defense line and shot a ball back into the Exe goal to make it 2-0 at half time.
Dawlish were able to start the second half with a full team when Amy Reed joined the side and added to the Dawlish forward line with an accomplished performance for such a young player. Dawlish continued to dominate the game holding possession well in the midfield and it was not long before Helen Nicholson, who is starting to find her form again after being out all last season with a knee injury, got her third of the day.
Following an injury Jess Green had to leave the pitch leaving Dawlish once again a man down and a loss of concentration allowed Exe a consolation goal. But the game finished with a final goal for Dawlish, having worked hard all afternoon Grace Clifford made a great run into the D to convert Anne Darby’s cross. So it was a happy Dawlish side that left the pitch having hopefully found their form for the season.
Saturday 11 October 2008
A Frustrating Morning for Dawlish Ladies
A strong Dawlish side took the trip down to sunny Torbay to face an unknown quantity in newly demoted Paignton in their second league game of the season.
Dawlish started well and it quickly became clear that this young Paignton side were lacking experience. Dawlish were camped in the Paignton defensive final quarter for 90 percent of the first half. The Dawlish half line controlled the game feeding the ball back to the Dawlish forwards each time Paignton tried to get the ball out of their back line.
But despite the constant pressure of the Dawlish forwards with some very good position play they were unable to take advantage of all the pressure and convert it into the lead that they deserved. Yvonne Hudson came closest in the first half with a great reverse stick flick that went into the side netting.
Dawlish started the second half in control of the game maintaining position and putting the Paignton defence under constant pressure. But the young Paignton side remained solid at the back and the heat and frustration started to show in the Dawlish side. Completely against the play Paignton broke down the Dawlish defence and a loose ball across Dawlish goal deflected against a defending player wrong footing goalie Sarah Webster and putting the home team ahead.
A shocked Dawlish side once again found their control of the game and with strong runs from the midfield the Dawlish forwards were forcing short corners and constant pressure on the Paignton goal. Jess Green came agonisingly close and it seemed that on any other day she would have easily had a hat trick. Helen Nicholson and Lottie Young were both unable to give Dawlish the score line they deserved despite a number of great chances.
Dawlish continued to pressure right up until the final whistle with great attacking play on the right from Gemma Wilkes and Anne Darby. However the final whistle came and an extremely frustrated Dawlish team were left to question how they were unable to capitalise in a match where they were clearly the better side.
Dawlish started well and it quickly became clear that this young Paignton side were lacking experience. Dawlish were camped in the Paignton defensive final quarter for 90 percent of the first half. The Dawlish half line controlled the game feeding the ball back to the Dawlish forwards each time Paignton tried to get the ball out of their back line.
But despite the constant pressure of the Dawlish forwards with some very good position play they were unable to take advantage of all the pressure and convert it into the lead that they deserved. Yvonne Hudson came closest in the first half with a great reverse stick flick that went into the side netting.
Dawlish started the second half in control of the game maintaining position and putting the Paignton defence under constant pressure. But the young Paignton side remained solid at the back and the heat and frustration started to show in the Dawlish side. Completely against the play Paignton broke down the Dawlish defence and a loose ball across Dawlish goal deflected against a defending player wrong footing goalie Sarah Webster and putting the home team ahead.
A shocked Dawlish side once again found their control of the game and with strong runs from the midfield the Dawlish forwards were forcing short corners and constant pressure on the Paignton goal. Jess Green came agonisingly close and it seemed that on any other day she would have easily had a hat trick. Helen Nicholson and Lottie Young were both unable to give Dawlish the score line they deserved despite a number of great chances.
Dawlish continued to pressure right up until the final whistle with great attacking play on the right from Gemma Wilkes and Anne Darby. However the final whistle came and an extremely frustrated Dawlish team were left to question how they were unable to capitalise in a match where they were clearly the better side.
Saturday 4 October 2008
Positive Start to Dawlish Ladies Season
Dawlish Ladies hockey team’s season started with a local derby last Saturday against Teignmouth II. The local derby is always a strongly fought contest and this match did not disappoint.
Dawlish had to make some tough decisions before the game due to injures and central midfielders Lottie Young and Natasha Bailey started at the back leaving the Dawlish team with a hole to fill in the middle with influential Young filling in at the back.
Dawlish started strongly and the experimental back line kept Teignmouth from making anything from their breaks forward. The one opportunity they did break they Dawlish Keeper Sarah Webster pulled out one of her trade mark diving saves to keep the score even.
Dawlish forwards continued to pressure the Teignmouth defence and not long before the end of the half won a short corner. Yvonne Hudson took the short with a strong pass to Helen Nicholson on the top of the D, who returned the gesture with a hit to Hudson on the far post. Hudson completed the move by tapping the ball into the Teignmouth goal and Dawlish finished the first half a goal up.
The second half had much more of a local derby feel and as the rain continued to pour down the hockey became less attractive and more scraby.
Dawlish were slow off the whistle and minutes into the second half Teignmouth had levelled the scores to 1-1. Teignmouth took advantage of Dawlish drop in concentration and ten minutes into the second half took the lead with a second goal.
Dawlish came back to life in the final quarter showing some great palys through the midfield to feed Jess green and Stevie Hudson forcing a succession of Dawlish short corners. But despite coming close and hitting the posts twice Dawlish failed to level the score as the games stick tackle count continued to rise.
Although disappointed by the score line and some of the decisions in the second half Dawlish can look forward to a positive season on the basis of this game.
Dawlish had to make some tough decisions before the game due to injures and central midfielders Lottie Young and Natasha Bailey started at the back leaving the Dawlish team with a hole to fill in the middle with influential Young filling in at the back.
Dawlish started strongly and the experimental back line kept Teignmouth from making anything from their breaks forward. The one opportunity they did break they Dawlish Keeper Sarah Webster pulled out one of her trade mark diving saves to keep the score even.
Dawlish forwards continued to pressure the Teignmouth defence and not long before the end of the half won a short corner. Yvonne Hudson took the short with a strong pass to Helen Nicholson on the top of the D, who returned the gesture with a hit to Hudson on the far post. Hudson completed the move by tapping the ball into the Teignmouth goal and Dawlish finished the first half a goal up.
The second half had much more of a local derby feel and as the rain continued to pour down the hockey became less attractive and more scraby.
Dawlish were slow off the whistle and minutes into the second half Teignmouth had levelled the scores to 1-1. Teignmouth took advantage of Dawlish drop in concentration and ten minutes into the second half took the lead with a second goal.
Dawlish came back to life in the final quarter showing some great palys through the midfield to feed Jess green and Stevie Hudson forcing a succession of Dawlish short corners. But despite coming close and hitting the posts twice Dawlish failed to level the score as the games stick tackle count continued to rise.
Although disappointed by the score line and some of the decisions in the second half Dawlish can look forward to a positive season on the basis of this game.
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