COWHC Ladies' 2s vs Camberley & Farnborough Ladies 2s - 14th January 2017

This week I earned the dubious honour of writing the match report, my crime..... Asking where the match report was!

Saturday began way too early for our epic journey south to the deepest darkest wilds of Surrey! Whilst the rest of the country was toe deep in snow, the oasis of Camberley had somehow avoided the 'thundersnow' that had befallen the country.
On receiving the call to arms from our glorious leader 'it's on, go go go' we sped round the M25! Luckily for us, Leggs was in the advance party and pointed out a major road closure ahead. After pulling off a manoeuvre worthy of Police, Camera, Action we swerved off at the A3, only for Howard to confirm the road works were the following week!

We arrived in plenty of time to face table topping Camberley & Farnborough, the same team we beat in the cup a few weeks ago and who would be 'bang up for revenge'. Luckily for the late arrivals, Leggs was on hand to offer more sage advice 'no working loos near the pitch ladies', after a ten minute round trip in which Sammy walked more steps than the whole Christmas week, we returned to find that in fact the loos were working!

And so to arms. Base layers on, gummies in, new white shirts for Netty and Howard we took to the pitch. Camberley came out hard causing our defence a number of early issues, great tackling from Broni in at LB and el Capitano kept them at bay.
And then the tide turned, great passing across the back from Netty to Leggs opened up the pitch and with Lydia always making herself available we moved the ball brilliantly and drove at the Camberley defence. With Jo and Kirsty chasing down everything the best chances fell to our super keen forwards, unfortunately we couldn't find the back of the net.
Camberley were rattled and couldn't find their rhythm, with Sharon and Howard hassling at every turn the oppo made mistakes allowing us to press high. Despite chances the score remained 0-0 at HT.

With haribo and melon consumed and a strong team talk we started the 2nd half as we finished the 1st. Jade had moved into the middle and was combining well with those around her standing firm...... Then IT happened. Krysy ran 50 yards for a ball she had no right to reach, on the attacking baseline she turned and rocketed the ball into the D, who should be waiting on the far post but our very own vegan princess Sammy who, glorying in the joy of Veganuary, coolly slotted the ball home! 1-0 Croydon.
Camberley continued to press but possession was even, despite Nicky playing catchy hide the ball and Netty diving face first at the ball the Dick of the day award goes to Leggs who capped her fine performance both on and off the pitch by stopping the ball with her eyeball!
Patched up she returned to help the team hold out for an epic win. Special mention to Lisa in goal, she might have little legs, but she made some mighty fine saves!

We returned to their clubhouse for teas. The whole team were voted POM and we moved on to our Fitbit step counts..... The challenge was far from over.

Thanks to Martin for umpiring so far from home and to Howard's Dad for watching! Bring on the Wombles of Wimbledon next week!

Over and out Netty B!!