Petroc one

KS Cougars 4,

Isca 2

Facing their toughest test yet in this year's league campaign, the Cougars lined up against a stong Isca side last Saturday in some of the worst weather seen for many years.

Knowing the importance of a strong start, the Cougars looked to take the game straight to Isca and soon found themselves in an even battle through the middle of the pitch

Lou and Emily Read, with Sarah Budgen, battled hard in the midfield to establish a foundation for the Cougars to attack from as inside forwards Bex Darke and Chloe Harvey settled in to their channels.

With nine minutes gone and pushing for the important early goal, KS used the width in their formation to find Heather-Jo Webber in space on the right.

Angling into the 'D', Webber slipped in a cross to captain Helen Symons, who controlled and finished crisply to break the deadlock and give KS the upper hand.

Ten minutes later a strong push from the centre released to Darke, who fired towards goal.

Ever-present at the back post, birthday girl Abi Bell was perfectly positioned to make the most of the delivery to fire home from close range to give the Cougars a 2-0 lead.

Isca were not deterred and came straight back at KS with quick passing and excellent pressure in closing around the play swiftly.

They were competing for every 50/50 ball and looking to contain the Cougars before they could develop further opportunities.

Attacking with pace Isca came back at KS and won a run of short corners.

After several excellent clearances from Fi Wadey and Claire Jones, a final shot from the Isca centre forward was rifled through the defence to bring the visitors back into the game at 2-1.

Nic Bowes subbed on and injected some vocal support into the KS side to carry them through to half-time, where the Cougars took a well-deserved break in the wet and windy conditions to focus on the second half.

Knowing that Isca were still very much in the game, it would be important to come out fighting if KS were to defend their unbeaten record so far this season.

Looking to replay their plan of the first half, KS were hungry for another early goal to take the wind out of Isca's sails and build themselves a buffer.

Play swung from end to end for the first ten minutes, with both sides creating slim chances and 'keeper Hayley Russell clearing well against an Isca break.

With ten minutes gone after the restart, KS began to pick up the pace and when a shot from Lou Read was well saved by the Isca 'keeper Bell, always deadly from close range, was on hand to sweep in the rebound for her second of the game.

Neither side relaxed the pressure as a two-goal advantage can be turned around in seconds during a fast-paced and evenly balanced match.

Gemma Harvey, Tess Morris and Hannah Durrans brought fresh legs for the Cougars as the workrate continued to be high for both teams.

With ten minutes remaining and the game still swinging both ways, Symons delivered the safety margin KS needed to put Isca out of the game for good with a crisp finish from high in the 'D' to make the score 4-1.

Battling to the end, Isca broke in the closing minute and released their centre forward clear through on goal.

With a well-taken finish slotted inside the far post, she pulled a goal back with the last touch of the match to leave the final score 4-2 to KS.

A well-matched and hard fought game for the Cougars in torrential conditions earned them teas, hot chocolate and a superb match lunch at The Kings Arms as they reflected on a gritty win which sees them remain unbeaten and stay six points clear at the top of Petroc division one.