Plymouth University firsts 1,

Kingsbridge and Salcombe firsts 1

It seems such a long time ago that Kingsbridge and Salcombe faced Plymouth Uni in a result which saw the Cougars lose 3-1 at home in the first game of the season, so this match had the potential of being a well-contested game.

The first half started with Kingsbridge and Salcombe gaining the majority of the possession, with the midfield linking well and pressing up the pitch, connecting with the forward line consisting of Helen Symons, Chloe Harvey and Laura Kerly.

Plymouth Uni were strong on the break but came up against a solid defence, with Emily Read tackling strong and leading the ball out of danger on a number of occasions.

Captain Fi Wadey, despite her injury last week, showed no ill effects and controlled the middle of the defence with clear instructions and Rachel Roberts held the left defence well, managing to get the ball through to midfielders Louise Read, Fern Tucker and vice-captain Esme Ansley, who all for the whole game tracked back to help their defence.

Despite the Cougars having most of the possession, the Plymouth side managed to break through and came up one-on-one with the away ‘keeper, Claire Guard, who was unlucky not to keep the ball out after the attacking forward managed to lift it past her to take the lead.

The Cougars weren’t too rattled as they knew they had time to get back in the game and kept battling to get the goal they deserved.

Playing nicely as a unit, their communication was on point as everyone did their bit and morale was still high after a tricky few weeks.

At half time everyone was eager to give their opinion, but ultimately the Cougars just had to keep on plugging away and keep playing for each other.

The second half was much like the first, with little incidents and with both ‘keepers not having much to do.

Kingsbridge and Salcombe were the team on top and were in the Uni D a lot with the ball just not falling right, but this didn’t stop them trying. Charley Adams played another good game, keeping her passes simple and accurate and even having a go at goal herself.

The young Uni side managed to raise the Cougars’ blood pressure after a strike at goal was saved by Guard with the tip of her toes, which seemed to ignite the belief in the travelling side.

Kerly came close to evening the result on a few occasions but it was seven minutes from the end they finally got the goal their play deserved.

Symons played the ball to Kerly, who pulled the ‘keeper towards her before smashing the back board with the ball to level the scores at one apiece.

A couple of short corners were all that really happened in the last few minutes of the match and after seeing previous results the Cougars were happy to come away with a point, although they deserved the full three for their grit and determination.

At match teas player of the match was voted for and awarded to Helen Symons for her continuous work rate and terrier-like attitude!

The club wishes to thank all the travelling supporters who came to cheer the team on.

With all the results in from the weekend Kingsbridge and Salcombe remain third in the league after some interesting scores from the other teams. This weekend the Cougars host ISCA thirds in an 11am push back at KCC in the hope of gaining some more vital points.

Kingsbridge and Salcombe

seconds 4,

Tavistock 0

This was the second meeting of the season between these two teams and with the last game ending in a nail biting 2-2 draw this game had all the makings of a great match.

After 20 minutes Kingsbridge and Salcombe’s persistence paid off, with Moore reacting quickest to a scramble in front of goal and beating the ‘keeper, giving them a well deserved lead.

Two minutes Moore played the ball from wide right of the pitch across to Laura Tregelles to make it 2-0, which remained the score at half time.

The second half started with Tavistock upping their game but after 11 minutes the Cougars extended their lead when Yeoman flicked high into the net from a short corner.

With four minutes remaining Yeoman turned provider for team mate Mockridge, slipping the ball past the defence to Mockridge, who slipped it through the advancing ‘keeper’s legs for an impressive 4-0 win.

The club wishes to thank Steve and Laura Shute from SMVR for being the match ball sponsor.