Our Ladies 1s travelled to York on a sunny Saturday, hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the league. Aware of York’s physical style, the girls knew they were in for a battle away from the fortress.
The first half was tight and tense. Equal possession, equal threats, equal tackles made; no outcomes. It was physical and feisty and everyone knew there was a game on their hands. Frustrations were evident and the teams were on edge. York were tenacious and pressurised everything, hunting down the green and gold like a stealthy pack. Emma Dovey took the brunt of their efforts and was caught on the jaw by a flailing stick. A bully was given and after a shockingly long time, Bethan Watkins finally understood the term perpendicular, and took to the ball to contest possession. York were quicker and the girls were penned in their own 25. A solo winding run from a girl in red saw a reverse stick shot head towards goal, Janice Rose pulled off a super save only for it to unluckily land beneath her feet. After a scrap, the ball hit the backboard and Morpeth went in to half time, one nil down. Unfortunate but not unjustified.
Emma Brown rallied the troops at half time, keeping the chat concise and calm. Motivated and with menace the girls took the push back. Bekki Freer, Anne Lloyd, Ami Cook and Arran O’Mahony made persistent and purposeful leads; running the York defence ragged and creating opportunities. Rhian Watkins, Sally Bryson, Kirstin Gerrand, Emma Brown and Bethan Watkins battled in midfield; winning the 50/50s, controlling the middle and linking defence to attack. The green and gold were gaining momentum and York were riled.
Our defence of Mark Henderson, Emma Dovey and Lyn Watkins stood strong with their low barriers and jousting jabs, rebuilding the mighty Morpeth’s wall, keeping us in the game. Our hard work told and we won a short corner. A sharp injection from Rhian, a crisp pass from Cookie and, at the second time of asking, a goal from Brownie. 1-1, squeaky bum time.
After a determined and resilient come back there was no way the girls would go behind again. Tireless efforts and positive mentalities earned a very rewarding draw at the final whistle!
MOM: Emma Dovey, for her persistence in defence.
Arse: Emma Dovey for being unable to control her mouth.
Morpeth Hockey Club Match Reports 