SOHC ladies 2, Redlands UWE 1 On a rare sunny day SOHC ladies 1st XI took to the Sidmouth pitch in high spirits despite missing the presence of coach Gus McVey on the touchline.

The home team made a bright start with a number of fluent raids and the first ten minutes saw aplenty of action in the visitor’s defensive third.

The closest SOHC came to breaking the deadlock was a superbly timed pass from captain Sarah Hutchings that found its way through the students defence to an unmarked Nicky Bishop at the top of the D, but her thundering strike cannoned back off the frame of the goal!

The deadlock was broken at a short corner. Lea Pidgeon’s strike was initially saved, but Pidgeon sent the rebound straight back at the goal where Lucy Broad was patiently waiting at the post ready to lift the ball high into the net.

The home pressure continued with short sharp passes between forwards Chrissie Jacobs and Sophie Jackson frustrating the visiting defence. Watching on, amongst another healthy turn out of home support, was Jodie Parsons fresh from her appearance on ITV’s ‘The Chase’ earlier in the week.

Just before the break the lead was doubled and again it was via a Pidgeon assists with Broad applying the finish.

The second half was a very different story! The University side looked a different proposition from the restart! They played with greater determination and certainly showed high levels of fitness. It made for a tough time for the home defence of Emily Ackland, Jess Allen, Maisie Pritchard and Chick of the Game winner Phillipa Cordy who collectively battled well to deny scoring opportunities. Bodies were thrown at the ball and a number of bruises were on show post match to underline the commitment the home defenders had shown! However, the pressure eventually told and the visitor’s were able to halve the deficit. In the final minute Redland were awarded a penalty after a string of short corners.

SOHC Hayley Delasalle, the previous week’s shoot-out star, once again proved equal to the shot and a 2-1 victory was confirmed to take the team to within a single point of third place in the league.

On Saturday the team travel to face Taunton Vale II.