Petroc division one

KS Cougars 3,

Torbay 0

Kingsbridge and Salcombe ladies have been tied at the top of Petroc division one for the last few weeks with Torbay, the two sides only separated by goal difference.

As such, the Cougars have been working on piling in the goals as they built towards this season's crunch game against their main league rivals.

Torbay had suffered a minor setback last week, losing 3-2 to Isca through a last-minute goal, which set up a potential title deciding game as the winners would take a clear edge in the run for promotion.

With several players away on half-term trips, the Cougars still fielded a very strong side, testament to the depth of quality in the club. 

KS took the game to Torbay right from the start and held the majority of early play in their opponents' half, with Torbay always looking dangerous on the counter.

The midfield and insides delivered the dynamic workrate and slick passing that has broken down every defence in the league, good chances were created in the first ten minutes through short corners.

Several chances drew saves from the Torbay 'keeper, with Emily Read looking dangerous as she rode the tackles and peppered the Torbay goal with shots.

With momentum building around the Torbay goal a free hit to the visiting side brought tragedy to the Cougars.

With an excellent press in place an accidentally lifted ball took captain Chloe Harvey square in the forehead, flooring her immediately and resulting in a nasty injury which subsequently required 15 stitches at Derriford.

The match restarted after a lengthy injury break as Sarah Cullen moved into the inside left channel and the Cougars geared themselves up to win the game for their wounded warrior.

With Fern Tucker drawing out the left side the KS inside channels had the space to work in as Helen Symons drove past her marker and played strike partner Laura Simmons through on goal. With an angled run and quick feet Simmons drew, then rounded, the 'keeper to run the ball into the empty goal six minutes after the restart.

Torbay picked up and countered strongly as Lucy Croft and Lou Read checked their breaks down the right with some great tackling, supported by a tireless workrate from Cullen.

From a Torbay break KS turned the tables as a Gemma Harvey free hit rifled through the midfield straight to Simmons, who offloaded to Tucker at top D.

Tucker received well and fired back towards goal for Simmons to pick up on the loop and slip home from close range to take the Cougars 2-0 just before half-time.

Coach Ash Wyeth focused the Cougars to keep delivering on the key strengths of their performance before coach Mikey Dennis fired the team up for the restart.

Torbay came out strong for the first few minutes until Lou Read switched the angle of attack and played a lovely ball to super sub Freya Pearce out on the right.

Picking up on the run Pearce drove at the near post and fired the shot away early with the ball taking a deflection and flicking over the 'keeper's leg into the goal to kill off any hopes of a Torbay fightback.

The Cougars now had a comfortable lead and continued to play great hockey as Tess Morris delivered a superb performance and owned the right wing and Symons' non-stop hassle was a constant thorn in Torbay's side.

As the blistering pace of the game led into the last fifteen minutes Torbay lost a player due to a yellow card, but were still playing good hockey and finished strong as the Cougars pack mentality protected their clean sheet.

Rachel Roberts was determined in the tackle and 'keeper Claire Jones rounded off a fantastic game with more dynamic saves to add to her tally.

The final whistle blew on a well-fought match from both sides and a final result of 3-0 to KS, which leaves them three points clear at the top of the league with a game in hand and five matches left in the league season.

Celebrations and match teas were enjoyed at team pub the Kings Arms where Emily Read won woman-of-the-match in a close-run vote which also saw the whole team earning nominations.

The Cougars would like to thank the amazing crowd who came to support KS through this vital game; Torbay for their sportsmanship, concern around the injury and particularly Abby Hales emergency treatment; Sue Ansley and Stuart Read for a well umpired match and the Cougars' resident flying Doctor Adam Morris for his on pitch assistance during Chloe's injury.

With a week off to recuperate the Cougars wish speedy recoveries to walking wounded Tony Paul and Captain Invincible Chloe Harvey.