With the last fixtures of 2010 postponed due to the snow, league results then were only a distant memory for most of the team!

Following a positive midweek training session, Sidmouth started this cup match strongly and didn’t look to be suffering too much from the long break. Several chances went their way, and the team looked dangerous, but just lacked the final pass into the circle.

It soon became clear that this was going to be a close game, as both teams were evenly matched and the ball went from end to end. Sidmouth have been working on their short corner routines and got further chances to practice them during the match.

Following one of these new routines, Sidmouth were awarded a penalty stroke after the ball hit a defender’s foot on the goal line. Lea Pidgeon’s accurately placed penalty shot went low and towards the corner, but was somehow kept out by a superb save.

This near miss increased the team’s confidence and, within minutes, Sidmouth took the lead when Karen Cann’s raised shot beat the keeper at the near post. The lead was maintained largely due to an amazing display of diving and reflex saves from Duke’s Player of the Match, Hayley Delasalle in the Sidmouth goal.

The Plymouth side equalised following a 10 minute spell of attacks. They should have gone on to take the lead during a dominant spell at the start of the second half, but Sidmouth maintained concentration and gave an organised defensive performance. Janet Jones, Chloe Munn and Jodie Lane worked hard to absorb the pressure and contend with the breaks, denying Plym Valley further scoring opportunities.

Both teams had several chances on the break, but it was a whole team move from Sidmouth that provided the winning goal. Chrissie Mitchell won the ball in the midfield and Lea Pidgeon moved it into space on the right for Sarah Hutchings to attack on the overlap. She passed the ball on to Sarah Thomas to cross into the circle for Taryn Beuthin to run onto, beating defence and goal keeper with her trademark reverse stick shot.

League matches resume at home against Newquay tomorrow at noon.