Ladies 1st XI Vs Plymouth University

After a strong performance last week against Marjon, Tavistock ladies were full of confidence knowing they would face top of the table team Plymouth Uni, however knowing that the uni were going to be a tough team, Tavistock ladies approached the game with composure and determination.

The Uni applied early pressure onto the Tavistock ladies pressing high and forcing Viggars to produce some tough saves. The back line proved a formidable force and kept the goal line clear forcing the uni to work back and defend their own half. Tavistock returned the pressure onto the uni team and a perfectly placed pass from Armstrong to Lamb saw Lamb with a one on one chance with the keeper, however the keeper made a quick save denying the team of an opening goal. The Tavistock midfield continued to find Lamb on the right wing allowing her to split the uni defence several more times. Several strong saves from the uni keeper kept the uni team with a clean sheet. The teams continued to be evenly matched with each defensive line working hard. Tavistock then found themselves breaking through the oppositions back line and cleverly won a penalty corner.  The girls knew that they had to take this opportunity as the uni team were maintaining strong form, a strong pass in from Armstrong found Payne on the post and gave the home side a 1-0 advantage going into half time. After another motivating half time talk from coach Fenwick the girls felt motivated and determined to hold this lead. The team found the confidence to apply immediate pressure on the well drilled opposition winning a penalty corner. Unfortunately the uni defenders remained strong but that did not phase the home team as they won another corner shortly after. A strong injection saw Payne fed Armstrong the ball who then took on the first runner to score with a solo effort. This now saw the ladies with a 2-0 lead over the top team. The uni immediately returned the pressure on the Tavistock ladies and won several corners of their own. They fell unlucky hitting the post and another effort saved in the air by on form Mills-Hicks. Pollock, Boulle and Kelly continued to keep their cool in the circle fending off the skills of the uni team. With 10 Minutes left the home side found themselves on the back foot as the uni team began to apply even more pressure and won themselves another corner. This time their luck changed and after a strike on goal and a save from Viggars, the rebound found a uni player who in turn found her forward on the post and calmly found the back board. Tavistock did not lose heart still holding the lead. Scott, Payne, Armstrong and Bassett continued to work hard to hold the core of the team strong whilst supporting their defending line. Tavistock ladies managed to keep their strong work ethic and effort right until the final whistle with a well worked 2-1 win over Plymouth Uni.