After a mixed start to the season, Sidmouth made their way to Dawlish to play second in the league Teignmouth. After a short talk before the game, it was clear to the Sidmouth players that it was going to be tough, but they had some tactics.
After a mixed start to the season, Sidmouth made their way to Dawlish to play second in the league Teignmouth. After a short talk before the game, it was clear to the Sidmouth players that it was going to be tough, but they had some tactics.
Sidmouth started strongly with some brilliant teamwork in defence moving the ball quickly to the attack. After several attempts on the Teignmouth defence, Sidmouth were struggling to provide the finished product.
Karen Cann and Lucy Broad made strong tackles on the right to keep hassling the fast moving Teignmouth team. Sidmouth's defence had a fantastic game. Chloe Munn was committing herself to every tackle and really made the attacking side work for their first goal, which came after a quick break by Teignmouth. Janet Jones convinced the defence that they need to be strong and work as a team, with lots of communication.
The midfield strove hard with some brilliant work up the pitch by Caroline Bickerstaff, who used Anna Cloke as a strong support to move the team and pressure the Teignmouth defence.
Again just before the half time whistle, Sidmouth conceded from a well struck shot from the speedy Teignmouth centre forward.
A strong talk from Captain Jodie Lane at half time encouraged the Sidmouth side to make a difference in the second half as, at this time, it was only 2-0. They then swapped Captain Lane with Lea Pidgeon to strengthen the attack.
Sidmouth started strong with Clare Choules and Janet Jones making crucial tackles in Teignmouth's bid to increase their score line. Sidmouth were looking more enthusiastic and wanted to break the Teignmouth defence. Vicky Tarr made a fantastic run into the defence and, after a piece of skilful stick work, won Sidmouth an attacking short corner.
Lea Pidgeon received the ball and struck on goal, only to find Jodie Lane waiting to deflect the shot past the Teignmouth goalkeeper. After scoring, Sidmouth took over the game and made it their own. They then equalised after winning another short corner which Pidgeon skilfully slotted past the goalie.
As Sidmouth were looking strong, it was their turn to concede a short corner, which allowed Teignmouth to break the score-line and move ahead again. But Sidmouth did not give up and kept fighting and hassling the opposition to tie the game.
A quick break from the Sidmouth midfield allowed Lea Pidgeon through the Teignmouth defence again and, after a daring shot, the Teignmouth captain conceded a penalty flick for her team by stopping Pidgeon's effort on goal.
As Pidgeon took the penalty the rest of the team were kept waiting in suspense. A great effort secured the draw five minutes before the final whistle.
Sidmouth worked hard in the last moments to keep a feisty Teignmouth at bay. Woman of the match Hayley Delesalle ensured her goalkeeping was of a high standard and made crucial saves throughout the game which allowed Sidmouth their best result so far this season.
Sidmouth travel to Plymouth next week to take on a tough Marjon side.
By Jodie Lane
Sidmouth Ladies 1st 3,
Teignmouth Ladies 1st 3
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