Petroc division one

Dartmouth 1,

Dartmouth had to start the game with 10 players last weekend as injuries had taken their toll.

Mandy Servan had a swelling to her eye, Jo Rendle was due to start but had to pull out due to a swollen knee, Alice Sharam had work commitments and Ellie Langman had a swimming commitment. But you can only play with what you’ve got and Dartmouth had their lion’s share of game play.

Dartmouth held Newton at bay but with 12 minutes of the push back Newton scored from a set piece.

Dartmouth refused to let their heads drop and six minutes later Dartmouth nearly pulled level with a well-worked open-play goal. Sarah Barrett, playing her usual magnificent game, took a free hit inside her own half and gave the ball to Alix Vincent. Alix dribbled the ball past the defence before the Newton ‘keeper pulled off a brilliant save to keep Newton honest and one goal in front.

Dartmouth kept pressing and came close a few times; Roseanne Perry and Freya Bradley provided some much-needed ball to Alix Vincent but hockey can be a cruel game sometimes and Newton again scored from a set piece right on half time whistle.

Lisa Ansell gave some encouraging words to her team mates at half time, saying that the last Newton goal was a body blow and if there’s one thing Dartmouth are renowned for it is coming back. Matt Putt gave his words of encouragement and asked the Dartmouth ladies to get back out there and get an early goal.

That’s exactly what Dartmouth did. With five minutes of the second half gone Sarah Barrett picked the ball up from the right, drilled the ball in and Dartmouth were just one behind.

From then on Dartmouth kept pressing. Lisa Ansell and Charley Langman got in on the act, Charley doing a man-marking job and still had time to turn defence into attack.

Alix Vincent nearly pulled Dartmouth level and but for another brilliant save from the Newton ‘keeper would have got on the scoresheet.

Dartmouth pushed and pushed but when you play too far up the pitch with nine outfield players you will get punished and with just seven minutes to go Newton got the killer goal from yet another set piece.

Dartmouth, still determined to get the draw, pressed the Newton defence but unfortunately the full time whistle beat them.

The Dartmouth ladies had nothing to feel down about after the game because with the 10 players they had they gave it their all and put on a brilliant display of team hockey. Charley Langman received player of the match for her brilliant display of man-marking and her can do attitude.

After the game the Dartmouth ladies went back to the Old Inn at Halwell for a well-deserved meal presented by landlady and landlord Juliette and Steve. The match was kindly sponsored by Mark Malley.

Dartmouth are in action again this Saturday when the Dartmouth ladies take on Dart in Exeter.