For the second week running Sidmouth Ladies recorded an excellent league result, proving that the team s commitment to the winter break training schedule is really paying off.

For the second week running Sidmouth Ladies recorded an excellent league result, proving that the team's commitment to the winter break training schedule is really paying off. Inspired by a well earned point in the previous week's fixture, Sidmouth travelled to Plymouth in an optimistic mood. Arriving an hour before the fixture highlighted the team's renewed focus and determination to move up the league table in the second half of the season. As the game began, both sides worked hard and marked tightly, suggesting that it was going to be a close match. In fact it wasn't until almost half time that either side registered a shot on goal. This was mainly down to well organised defences from both sides. Janet Jones used her experience to eliminate the Marjons' forwards from advancing towards the Sidmouth goal, despite being twice the age of her opposition! Claire Choules and Chloe Munn worked well together, in what must surely have been Sidmouth's best defensive display for many months.Endless running from the Sidmouth midfield players Anna Cloke and Lucy Broad ensured that Marjons' play was frequently broken down and Karen Cann's relentless tackling saw many of Marjons' set pieces spoiled. Despite the age advantage being against them, it was often the Sidmouth players who were first to the loose balls. A tactical change of positions saw Lea Pidgeon join Vicki Tarr up front and Jodie Lane move to play in the floating role. This helped maintain Sidmouth's attacking impetus and it took a while for the students to adjust to the change.Eventually a Marjon player broke through the defensive fortress which had held tight for so long, to break the deadlock. Shortly after, Sidmouth responded with an equaliser following a period of sustained pressure. It always seemed likely that an equaliser would come Sidmouth's way eventually but the timing was perfect for a text book routine to come off in dynamic style. Vicki Tarr battled her way into the attacking circle and was rewarded with a short corner. Lea Pidgeon's strike was deflected in by Jodie Lane's perfectly positioned stick leaving the Marjons' goalkeeper stranded. It was noted that an excellent training session of shooting practice provided by men's player Scott Rowsen, on the Wednesday night had undoubtedly helped find that finishing touch that had been lacking in previous weeks. Hayley Dellasalle made some crucial saves as the game drew to a close to give Sidmouth a well deserved draw, and another league point. During the post match cool down, team statistician Karen Cann was quick to point out that, as Marjons are currently second in the league, there is no reason why Sidmouth can't challenge for a high league position, but it will need performances like this consistently to gain the desired points. Next week Sidmouth hope to take the away match form shown recently to Truro to play against Cornish side Newquay.