Ladies 1sts Vs Dereham 2

Saturday 3rd December 2022

East Women’s Hockey League Division 3 North East North

Dereham II   1     Broadland   2

With both teams riding high at the top of the league and both unbeaten this season this Division 3 North East North fixture was bound to be a tight affair with little to choose between both teams.  Broadland I’s, top of the league on goal difference were soon under pressure from second place Dereham and managed to survive a number of attempts from Dereham until the 15 minute when following a sustained period of midfield possession a flowing move down the Dereham left was finished by      ???????? with a sharp finish by the near post. Broadland’s star player and captain Jen Crawford might have got to the ball but was blocked off in the build up to the goal by a Dereham forward.  Broadland, disappointed but in no way deterred, began to fight back, and then began to probe and create opportunities of their own, producing good situations up front while defending stubbornly at the back. The second half began like the first half finished with end-to-end play and chances at both ends.  Broadland’s left defender Rachel Aldous, in a more advance situation, won the ball and set off up field and found Natasha Blyth on the halfway line.  Blyth set off, leaving a number of Dereham players in her wake and then smashed the ball past the ball into the right-hand corner of the Dereham net for an equaliser.  Pumped up by the goal, and not satisfied by a draw Broadland went for a second goal and a win.  A penalty corner late on for Broadland provided the opportunity and a goal.  Emma Richardson’s initial flick was saved by the home keeper, but unfortunately for Dereham,  Broadland’s Lydia Lawrence was on hand to drive the ball home from close in. Dereham threw everything they had got at the visitors’, but Broadland held firm to claim the points and improve their position at the top of the table.