Following a disappointing result away at Newquay the previous week, where Sidmouth Ladies 1st XI were defeated despite having held the lead for long spells of the game, the team had high hopes for a better result at home against local rivals Hornets.

Following a disappointing result away at Newquay the previous week, where Sidmouth were defeated despite having held the lead for long spells of the game, the team had high hopes for a better result at home against local rivals Hornets. Having narrowly lost a cup game to the side in the New Year, a close match was expected.What wasn't expected was that the visitors would be gifted an early goal in the first few seconds of the game before a Sidmouth player had even touched the ball! With this minor setback behind them, the Sidmouth players had the majority of the possession and threatened to score on several occasions. Against the run of play Hornets extended their lead before Sidmouth found the elusive goal to bring them back into contention. It came when Jodie Lane pounced on a cross into the circle to direct the ball into the corner of the goal.The consistent high standard of goalkeeping from the Hornets' keeper prevented Sidmouth from converting their pressure into goals as the number of shots moved into double figures. As the home team pushed players forward in the search for an equaliser, Hornets scored on the break. Their celebrations were short lived as, soon after, Lea Pidgeon beat the keeper with a powerful strike just inside the far post. Despite a number of short corners against them, Hornets managed to maintain their slender lead until the end. The home side were unlucky not to have had at least a draw, having had the majority of the possession in their attacking half. Although there were no league points to take away, Sidmouth were able to reflect on the periods of good creative play and good passing moves generated in the game, but will have to be less generous in giving away early gifts in the remaining matches.