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Holcs 3 - Canterbury 1
Unfortunately late withdrawals forced the Ladies 3As to travel to Holcs with the minimum of players for their second league game, however from the outset this looked like an even contest and both teams had opportunities to take the lead.
Canterbury were unfortunate not to be awarded a string of penalties when Sally Hayes was repeatedly fouled in the 'D' and goalkeeper infringements went unpunished, but Canterbury's slight superiority paid off when debutante Amber Nicholls drove the ball home for the opening goal.
In the second half Holcs regrouped, utililising their larger squad, which proved testing for this largely 'senior' 3As squad, and an equallising goal was conceeded. However experience and determination paid off and despite the continued barrage Holcs didn't look like breaching the defences again, and a draw looked a strong possibilty.
Canterbury were however dealt an unfortunate blow when defender Bryony Smith was forced to limp from the pitch and with no subs available this stretched Canterbury's resources just too far and two further goals were conceeded in this period. Despite one or two further forays into the Holcs 'D', Canterbury didn't look the dangerous force they had in the first half and they were unable to claw back the deficit.
Although the result left Canterbury with no points from their first two outings in Div 3, this was a much improved performance on last weeks opening game. Whilst this was an excellent alround team performance, Nan Haggerty and Julia Owen deserve mention for their efforts in defence and midfield, and newcomers Ellie Larraman and Amber Nicholls playing up front, demonstrated that they have potential to be exciting players of the future.
Squad: Ali Taft, Nan Haggerty, Jennie Averill Richards, Debbie Roberts, Julia Owen, Annie Hare, Penny Entwistle, Sally Hayes, Ellie Larraman, Amber Nicholls, Bryony Smith.
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