Smart save denies Ely in penalty drama
AN extraordinary end to Ely’s match with Cambridge University on Saturday saw them denied a share of the spoils in agonising fashion.
Hockey
Ely Ladies 2
Cambridge University 3
AN extraordinary end to Ely’s match with Cambridge University on Saturday saw them denied a share of the spoils in agonising fashion.
Having worked tirelessly to get back into contention and with just seconds left in the match, Ely were awarded a penalty flick and a chance to level the game but their hopes were dashed as the Cambridge goalkeeper produced a remarkable save to hand the visitors the win.
The loss leaves Ely pointless so far this season after their win at Newmarket was cancelled out by the league and a defeat at Louth last week.
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The start of the game saw Ely enjoy good possession of the play and enabled them to hold the ball well and create good space through the strong midfield play of Sam Kay. It soon became apparent however, that the fitness and agility of the young University team was going to test Ely. The visitors soon started to break through the Ely defence and they netted two goals in quick succession, one coming from a well rehearsed short corner routine.
In the second half, Ely defenders Ali Chapman and Fiona Bartley redoubled their efforts and created a strong attacking platform for the home side to build on, eventually allowing Chanre Bond to break forward and rifle home past a flailing University goalkeeper.
The visitors responded well however, and netted once more to make it 3-1 going into the final phase of the match.
With nothing to loose, Ely decided to send bodies into attack for the final minutes of the game and some polished movements of play allowed Gemma Voutt to slot home.
With the score at 3-2, Ely continued to pile on the pressure and in the last second of the game a University player kicked the ball from the back line to hand Ely a penalty flick. Voutt bravely stepped up to take it but her powerful flick was denied by a smart save.
