Season starts with convincing victory for Caradon women's first team

CARADON made a winning start to the new season with a convincing victory over Plymouth University, welcoming back Saffy Barriball-Cripps, Carina Hodge and Jess Berry, alongside Lila Johns and Jess Eldridge who have stepped up from the seconds.

A new formation created space down the wings for Emma Gliddon and Daisy Hunn, while the midfield diamond of Molly Ackroyd, Libby Walsh, Clare Mitch and Abigail Ingram controlled the centre and restricted Plymouth’s opportunities.

Katie Oliver was the standout performer, scoring four goals through clinical finishing around the keeper. Abbie Ingram added the fifth as Caradon maintained sustained pressure in the attacking third.

The defence also impressed, showing patience and composure to hold play and exploit gaps in the Uni defensive line. A strong team performance showed promising unity early in the campaign.

Caradon’s second team suffered a 4-0 defeat against Truro but showed plenty of promise in a much-improved second-half performance.

Truro dominated possession early on and created several chances, but determined defending from Julia Eldridge, Lily Maudsley, Amy Batty and Amy White, alongside a strong display in goal from Jen Ross-Thomas, kept Caradon in the contest.

Lauren Gouge, Natalie Ridgers, Kerenza Bunt and Abbie Fulford worked hard through the screens, while new midfielders Summer Roberts and Izzy Hedley continued to settle into their roles.

Caradon returned after the break with renewed determination, enjoying more possession and creating opportunities of their own. Clare Poad and Laura Hill worked tirelessly up front, while several penalty corners offered chances to reduce the deficit, but Caradon could not convert.

Player of the match went to Fulford for an excellent defensive display.

Caradon’s third string began their league campaign with a closely fought defeat against Penzance seconds.

The home side took an early lead after seven minutes when Charlotte Tamblyn reacted quickest to a loose ball at the top of the D, firing into the backboard. Penzance applied sustained pressure and won several short corners, but a resilient Caradon defence, led by Anna Gubbins, held firm to preserve the lead at half-time.

Improved communication followed the interval, but Penzance’s pace on the wings eventually turned the game around as they scored twice. Jo Maudsley’s excellent work earned Caradon a flick, but Tamblyn was unable to convert.

Gubbins was named player of the match for her outstanding work rate.

The fourth team opened their season at home against Penzance thirds with an entertaining draw.

Led by new captain Julia Cuming, Caradon started brightly and showed excellent strength and determination throughout. Two first-half goals gave the hosts a strong start.

Olivia Sanders produced a superb driving run before setting up Evelyn Moxham, who lifted the ball impressively past the keeper. The second came after pressure in the D, with Anneliese Shannon reacting quickest to a loose ball to fire home.

Pippa Hedley and Lucy Johnson controlled the midfield, while Neave Bunt provided excellent support and Rhian Moxham worked tirelessly across the pitch. Penzance then pulled one goal back shortly before half-time.

Caradon created further chances and short corners after the break, but Penzance’s goalkeeper made several excellent saves. The visitors then equalised with just a minute remaining.