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Morpeth Ladies 1st XI v Preston Ladies 1st XI
Score: 3-2
Scorers: Hagan, Bowler, Pollock
MOM: Smith
AOM: Corbett

Team: Rose, Hindmarsh, Watkins, Wilson, Bell, Bowler, Bryson, Smith, Hagan, Corbett, Pick, Pollock.

A 12 o’clock game meant an early start for the Morpeth Ladies down the M6 to Preston.  After some directions and sat nav issues we arrived at the club with little time to warm up; however this did not concern the Morpeth girls as we started strongly from the first whistle.

The first 10 minutes saw some good defending and pressing from the girls putting the Preston players under pressure where we were able to capitalise on their errors, spending the majority of time in the home side’s half of the pitch.  Some strong play through midfield and good link up play between Hagan and Corbett up front saw numerous breaks of attack which eventually ended in a penalty corner.  A great first strike by Hagan at the top of the circle hit the backboard allowing Morpeth to take the lead.

With Morpeth maintaining a high press, the Preston players grew increasingly frustrated with some bad stick tackling resulting in the first of what was to be many yellow cards of the game.  As Preston defended well for the following 10 minutes, Morpeth were unable to take advantage of being a player up.  The intensity of the game remained strong throughout the first half with some quick passages of play and breaks of attack from both sides.  Strong defending around their circle by Morpeth saw Preston unable to get a shot at goal.  Smith was awarded a penalty corner within the last few minutes of the first half following a great run down the right sideline and in to the circle. Emma Cockburn was unable to get a first strike on the ball and following some skilful play slipped the ball to Bowler who managed to knock the ball in mid-air with her reverse stick to make the score 2-0 just before the half time whistle.

Preston changed formation for the start of the second half and came out strong to look for the comeback however good communication and composure on the ball meant the visitors coped well.  An unfortunate foot in the circle gave Preston a penalty corner and an opportunity to bring the game to 2-1 which they took.  Morpeth managed to maintain their lead through a difficult ten minutes which brought more frustration to the Preston players and once again, resulted in another yellow card. This time Morpeth were able to take advantage of being a player up and from some good open play through midfield, it was Pollock who slotted the ball past the Preston keeper from a difficult angle on the left.  Preston were determined to get something from the game despite being 3-1 down and kept the pressure on the Morpeth defence.  With their full team back on the pitch they attacked the circle well and were awarded a number of penalty corners, of which an unfortunate incident on the line saw an own goal by one of the Morpeth defenders.  With the score now 3-2, frustration from both sides was apparent with some unpleasant tackles being made from the home side causing the umpires to pause the game to speak to both captains.  Once again, the mighty green and gold held their nerve and continued with some good passages of play linking around the back and keeping hold of the ball.  In the last remaining minutes of the game, a further bad tackle by a Preston player saw a third yellow card, making it easier for Morpeth to maintain possession before the final whistle and come away with a 3-2 win and an important 3 points.