Enthusiastic Encounter Ends Equal

In our first game of the season under the lights, we earn a first point. We came out of the blocks fast in the first half, a high and effective press, some tiki-taka football and early strikes on goal; from Kaylee and Holly. A perfect response after Sunday, we just needed to find that goal. We were denied however by some goalkeeping heroics by Webb, who was in-between the sticks for the visitors, Eva was quickest to follow up Evie’s initial effort, but her shot looped onto the bar. With just under five minutes of the half remaining, we upped the, already high, ante. Evie tapped the ball into the net, but it was disallowed for an earlier ‘foul’, and Evie then forced Webb into a spectacular save... it was going to have to be something special to beat her on the warm Tuesday night in Sudbury.

We underwent some pressure from Cambridge United as they started the second 45 better than they had played the first, Millie Carter being forced into a very good save. However, the first blood of the half, and the match, went to the Yellows! Eva being fouled and up stepped Jeffers on the free kick. Now you know how I mentioned it was going to have to be something special to defeat Webb? Wel this was most definitely special. Jeffers, with a deep breath, struck the ball with her left boot and it looped and curled, something I didn’t even know was technically possible, over the ‘keepers head and into the back of the net! Poetry in motion. Two minutes later, we scored a second. Ali Lambe went on another magical run before releasing Holly, who danced around a couple of defenders before having her effort saved - but saved right into the path of Evie, who tapped into the back of the net!
Cambridge then put us under some pressure and after a quick routine the ball was floated on top of Millie, and she did extremely well to keep it out, right on the line - a truly wonderful save! Nobody cleared and Bella Simmons nodded home for the visitors. Then another stunning goal. Zoe Wood, on the left-hand side of the penalty area, had a go and placed it right into the top corner. No ‘keeper stopping it.

Well, how much better was that than Sunday? A magnificent performance, so much effort being put in by every single player. Even if we didn’t get three points, I think most of us would have taken one point at 19:30 last night!
Just remember, the season has to start somewhere, and ours started tonight.
By
Isaac Mennie