Harleston Ladies 1 Sudbury Ladies 2Sudbury were buoyed by their previous weeks victory against Bury but were aware of the size of the challenge in playing second in the league Harleston.

Harleston Ladies 1 Sudbury Ladies 2

Sudbury were buoyed by their previous weeks victory against Bury but were aware of the size of the challenge in playing second in the league Harleston. It was a treat to play on the water-based pitch which saw the ball move around at pace. Harleston made the better start and immediately had Sudbury under pressure but Casey Humphries, Lou Bonner and Lyn Mclean were solid in defence, marking and tackling effectively. Harleston gained a number of short corners but Jess Rushworth kicked and pushed balls away to keep the home team at bay. While Harleston had all the play, Sudbury did have some breaks and gained a couple of short corners.

Lou Palmer stepped in for captain King, who had substituted herself, and managed to get a couple of shots on goal. Harleston had a couple of skilful and speedy players in the middle but Jenny Brown and Lou Bonner worked superbly together to ensure their chances were limited. At half-time there was real belief that Sudbury could get something from the game and they decided to play in a more attacking style and play higher in the Harleston D. This tactic worked early in the second half. Lyn Mclean had an outstanding game, defending well and creating attacking chances. She fired the ball into the Harleston D from just outside the circle, at real pace, meaning captain Debbie King just needed to make stick contact to deflect the ball home.

Sudbury were always under pressure but Jess Rushworth made some great saves to keep Harleston out but their equaliser came from a close-range shot and goalmouth scramble. Undeterred Sudbury continued to push forward when the opportunity arose and Lyn Mclean scored a fine individual goal from the left of the D, lifting the ball to ensure the Harleston net bowed the power of her shot.

Sudbury then had 15 minutes to hold onto their lead and every member of the team played their part in securing the win. Player-of-the-match was Lyn Mclean but there were also fine performances from Bonner, Humphries and Hawkins. This win sees Sudbury move to 8th in the league table and they now have two home fixtures to look forward to.