Dereham Ladies 2nd X1 1 - 0 Sudbury Ladies 2nd X1

Following a disappointing performance and result against fellow strugglers UEA last week, some positive changes were made to the Sudbury formation and readiness for the last game before Christmas.  Sudbury settled quickly into the new formation and it was just as well as Dereham had the better of the early exchanges putting Sudbury under intense pressure for the first 15 minutes gaining 6 or more short corners. Jenny Brown was out quick to the corners and also tackled and broke down play really well to thwart the Dereham efforts.  It wasn’t all one way with Sarah Taverner, Lucy Kevis and Lou Palmer linking well in midfield to create a few chances for Sudbury too.  Becky Spencer took a nasty knock to the leg and had to retire and was replaced by Florrie Barber who added pace and determination to the forward line.  At half time all square with the call out from captain Ruth Warnes to keep the marking tight whilst taking chances to push forward.  Sudbury made a great start to the second half and themselves gained some short corners, they hit the post and the had another chance tantalising just miss the goal. It seemed it wasn’t to be Sudbury’s day in front of goal.  It wasn’t all one way however with Anna Cooper, Jenny Brown and Lou Bonner being kept busy in defence.  For 67 of the 70 minutes Sudbury were equal to Dereham and were heading for a deserved point.  A dubious short corner was awarded and Dereham fired it to the Sudbury left hand post leaving Cottrell and Palmer with no chance to cover.  A heartbreaking result for Sudbury having played so well but many positives can be drawn from the manner of the performance by all the players involved.