Strong Start for the 2s in Season Opener

Kingsbridge and Salcombe 2s travelled to Plymouth at the weekend for their first fixtured game of the P.V friendly Sunday league. With a change to training the girls were excited to put their practising into action.

From the starting whistle the Cougars looked to settle quickly and be the more dominant team. Great movement of the ball by the midfield consisting of debutant Hattie Wilkinson, Vice Captain Lauren Darbyshire and Cara Yeoman gave the away side strength to move the ball forward and pressure the Plym Valley defence.
Kingsbridge were awarded a few short corners and one of these paid off with a great push out from Darbyshire to the top of the D for Charlotte Budgen to slip it left to Yeoman to slap in for a 1-0 lead with 17 minutes played.
The Cougars continued to dominate the first half with some lovely one-twos from Lottie Sutherland and Katie Merrin, who worked hard to down the wings.
Kingsbridge and Salcombe 2s continued their attacking play but Heather Mockridge and Budgen were left frustrated by the Valley defence, but heads didn’t go down and they continued their battle.

Coach Chris Guard led the half time team talk encouraging them to keep playing their game but to take care of the ball more around the attacking D and work harder off the ball to create more chances.
Starting the second half Plym Valley came out strong and pressuring the Cougars defence more, calling Captain Laura Favis into action who made some critical tackles but took care to distribute the ball away from danger, this allowed the midfield to play the ball forward and attack at speed.
The resolute Plym Valley defence continued to deny forwards Mockridge and Katie Flintham clear cut chances in front of goal and forced the keeper to make some crucial saves to keep them in the game.
As time counted down both teams were starting to tire and at points the Cougars lost focus which called on defenders Anna McCabe and their youngest debut player Lauren Jade Ahearn to be strong in their tackles and get the ball away.
Time was nearly up and although keeper Erin Murgatroyd had little to do for the majority of the match she controlled her defence well when a couple of short corners were given away towards the end. Great running by Sutherland thwarted the valley attack and the game ended 1-0.

After some amazing teas player of the match went to Cara Yeoman.
Thank you to all the supporters who travelled to cheer the girls on. Kingsbridge and Salcombe 2s next fixture against OPM this Sunday has unfortunately been postponed.