It was another glorious sunny day for the second of Sidmouth HC Ladies 2nd XI's s pre-season friendlies, which was great for the many supporters turned up, but less appreciated by the players, who have not yet reached full fitness.

It was another glorious sunny day for the second of Sidmouth's pre-season friendlies, which was great for the many supporters turned up, but less appreciated by the players, who have not yet reached full fitness. After last week's close result against local rivals Otter Crickets, Sidmouth captain Sarah Dean wanted the team to tighten up the marking in defence, and recycle the ball better up front. Both of these areas were much improved, right from the whistle. The teams were evenly matched in the first quarter, but Dart scored first. Their striker lifted the ball from a short corner into the top corner of the goal. Another excellent strike minutes later put the visitors 2-0 up. However, Sidmouth didn't panic, and continued to build up some excellent passages of play. They were rewarded when Jessica Allen, another of Sidmouth's emerging young talents, calmly took the ball past the defence to make the half time score 2-1.In the second half, Sarah Dean moved back into the midfield, which was under pressure in the heat, leaving two strikers up front. Allen and Kathy Wilkinson combined well in this role, and were unlucky not to win a penalty flick when Allen appeared to have been deliberately tripped in the D. She kept her composure and scored again minutes later. Solid work from the defence prevented Dart from looking too dangerous, with good working back by Jodie Lane in midfield.Sidmouth started to use their width, and the continued pressure earned the home team a short corner. Hattie Vanstone's strike found the back of the net to give Sidmouth the lead for the first time.Dart started to put pressure on the tiring Sidmouth, and keeper Hayley Delasalle made good saves. But Lane sealed the win with a goal in the last few. Good attendance at training and commitment to the club saw this young team flourish towards the end of last season, and this is a very promising start to the new one. The first league game is on Saturday, October 4.