Martin and Acock Norfolk Women’s League

Division One

AFTER a break from hockey for nearly three weeks due to the adverse weather conditions, Magpies knew they faced a tough task when they travelled to Kings Lynn to face Pelicans. And with only 11 players they knew they would have to concentrate from the very first whistle if they were to extend their unbeaten run.

And the away side did just that; taking advantage of Pelicans lack of goalkeeper for the first few minutes, a loose ball in the D was picked up by centre forward Kay Dennis to give Magpies the lead early on.

Captain for the day, Kay Dennis, doubled the away side’s lead a few minutes later, when a good ball through from centre midfielder Hannah Booty left Dennis to run it into the D and competently slip the ball past the Pelicans ‘keeper.

However, Pelicans were dangerous on the break, with their left midfielder causing Magpies problems and got a goal back when a shot wasn’t cleared properly and the rebound was flicked into the corner.

Goals seemed to be the order of the day, when Magpies once more extended their advantage through Laura Schultheiss, her deflected shot flying past the ‘keeper high into the net. But again Pelicans came back at Magpies, scoring again from close range to cut Magpies lead. Shortly before the end of the half a well timed first time strike by Rosie Blackmore gave Magpies back their breathing space, making it 4-2 to the away side going into the break.

Magpies came out for the second half knowing they were the better side and started asserting their authority, showing some of their excellent form from previous matches. They had a good spell in the Pelicans D, winning several short corners and were unlucky not to convert, before a good move on the forward line found Schultheiss wide in the D to crack home a terrific shot.

Then it was Pelicans turn to win a short corner, and use it wisely they did when the ball found its way through the Magpies defence to make it 5-3. Magpies were not going to concede again though, and with Rosie Blackmore, Kay Dennis and Laura Schultheiss combining brilliantly on the forward line for the away side, they extended their lead again, a superb cross from Schultheiss on the right wing finding Dennis in front of the ‘keeper to sweep the ball home and complete her hat-trick.

And another good ball through the middle from Schultheiss gave Dennis her fourth of the match, cooly passing the ball past the ‘keeper into the corner.

A fantastic result for Magpies, ensuring they stay at the top of Division One. Thanks to all 11 players for their effort and commitment in what was not an easy match, and special mention to Tracy Reeve for coming back into the side and giving a solid performance on the right of midfield. Bring on the trip to Yarmouth next week!