HOCKEY Ely Ladies I 4 Market Deeping I 2 ELY Ladies hosted Market Deeping at the Ely Outdoor Sports Association astro turf for their second cup match of the season. Having struggled to field a full strength team in recent weeks, and determined to make am

HOCKEY

Ely Ladies I 4

Market Deeping I 2

ELY Ladies hosted Market Deeping at the Ely Outdoor Sports Association astro turf for their second cup match of the season. Having struggled to field a full strength team in recent weeks, and determined to make amends for the previous week's poor performance, captain Hannah Scotney assembled a crack squad of 13 on Saturday.

Ely were slow to start and Market Deeping capitalised on Ely's lethargy, slotting one past goalkeeper Laura Tuck almost straight away. This early goal served as a wake up call to the home side and they rallied to score four before half time. The defence, along with Krista Hopkinson as the pivotal midfielder, switched the ball across the pitch effortlessly keeping Market Deeping on the back foot. Ali Chapman gave another energetic display in the heart of midfield and was rewarded with her second goal in as many weeks. Dani Fletcher's rich vein of form continued with her netting two goals. Pamela Clarke again showed her versatility as a utility player, this week playing at centre midfield, left midfield and left forward, and capped off a great performance with a trademark penalty corner strike, securing a 4-1 lead at half time. Super subs Heather Cooper and Anne-Marie Lye, with Lye being highly influential down the left hand side, played their part in the game.

When play resumed, Ely suffered from a case of déjà vu with Market Deeping pulling a goal back as Ely were caught napping in the first few minutes. However, much like the first half, this only served to galvanize Ely's resolve and the visitors were unable to break through the defensive stronghold marshaled expertly by sweeper Fiona Bartley. The game finished 4-2 with Ely victorious and happy to maintain the top spot in their league cup pool.

Players of the Match: Dani Fletcher and Krista Hopkinson

Muppet of the Match: Ali Chapman

Team: Laura Tuck (GK), Fiona Bartley, Cathy Gilmour, Holly Radcliffe, Hannah Scotney (captain), Heather Cooper, Anne-Marie Lye, Emily Kisby, Pamela Clarke, Krista Hopkinson, Ali Chapman, Gemma Voutt, Dani Fletcher, Jo Rayner (manager)