WEST CLUBS WOMEN'S LEAGUE SOUTH DIVISION

Sidmouth 1

This fixture was probably the one to decide who finished second and third in the South Division – and Caradon needed to win to keep within touching distance of the top teams.

However, it was not to be as Sidmouth finished off the tie with a goal in the first half.

For the opening ten minutes Caradon looked the stronger side, with some excellent interplay, and only the final ball failed to make the mark as Sidmouth's defence stood strong.

The cagey affair was intriguing to watch for the many supporters, as strong tackles and forward running were the name of the game.

It was Caradon who gained the advantage with the award of a penalty corner. The stop-and-slip force of Glayne Price and Clare Poad brought a save from the 'keeper with the follow up by EJ Mullis knocked into the goal.

The jubilation was short-lived, however, as the travelling umpire

adjudged the first strike too high

and discounted the goal.

Sidmouth seemed revitalised by this and soon gave the home team a run for their money.

The driving runs on the right-hand side soon meant the award of a penalty corner of their own.

Again the defence dealt with this admirably as Mitch Robertson ran out to meet the first strike, only for Caradon to receive a run of another five penalty corners on the trot.

As strong as the defence stood it was inevitable that Sidmouth would eventually convert one of these – and the home team went in at half-time 1-0 down.

The team talk was positive, with emphasis on not giving so much respect and releasing the ball sooner.

As the second period started, there were strong battles in the centre of the park where captain and 'Man-of-the-Match' Sharon Jeffery made some telling interceptions and released the ball to the midfield and front-runners.

An injury to Price saw a growing determination from the remaining team, with substitute Gemma Cliffe chasing down and hassling alongside the midfield.

The non-stop running from Fleur Worden meant that the Sidmouth side had little or no chance of settling into their game, and gave Caradon the opportunity to put pressure on the away side.

With ten minutes to go, the award of a penalty corner in the home team's favour was met with a cheer from the sideline.

This time the injection from Amy Greenbank to Poad was stopped and struck hitting the backboard with venom.

Once again, though, the Sidmouth umpire failed to give Caradon the goal, stating that the ball was struck too high.

Sidmouth attempted to control the game and telling tackles from Claire Brown soon halted play.

It was unfortunate that Caradon failed to draw level as the entire side was fully committed in trying to gain a point.

They meet White Eagles tomorrow at Lux Park, where they will need to pick themselves up and get back to a team who deserve to be third in the table.