A long fight away at Pickering

After a cancellation last week due to a very frozen pitch 15 of us trooped out to Pickering to play. Yes! You heard right! We had 15! 15 wonderful, fit beautiful ladies graced the Pickering pitch for Batley. It was wonderful!!!

Even more exciting than that, this week saw the return of Linda! I don't know if I've ever mentioned Linda in a match report. Plagued by injury recently it's been a good 18 months since she played. You wouldn't know it! I'm sure her stick is magnetic, no one gets past! So good to see you back Linda!

The game started and Batley looked good, we used the space well, talked to each other and settled in to the game quickly. It was end to end stuff, both teams had attacks on goal. We had a great few minutes where we were camped on Pickering’s half having attack after attack on goal. We were just struggling to get it over the line. Our marking was great and they couldn't get it through.

A bit of confusion after subs meant that Pickering got some chances to attacked again, the game was moving again. Towards the end of the half we started to get in each other's way a little bit.

Half time came and it was still 0-0, but we knew we could get this. We regrouped and spread the field out.

Jodi started to hang up front and was in some brilliant positions when we got on the attack. Pickering came out strong and were causing more trouble for the defence in the second half. Jodi and Tina’s great up front positioning eventually meant that a great ball through saw them with a 2 on 1 with the keeper and they weren't letting that go. Some clever passing together saw Tina score the first GOAL of the match 1-0 to Batley!

Pickering weren't about to go down without a fight. They were making some great plays and attacks but couldn't find the break they needed. It really was end to end stuff.

Fretters, Kim and Mel in the middle worked tirelessly to keep Pickering at bay and keep driving the ball forward into attack. Great space meant Vicky and Newby had lots of opportunities to make attacking plays.

The game ended 1-0 to Batley, a win that we fought hard for and desperately needed. These guys were high up in the table.

MOM went to Linda and her magnetic stick, first game back, already on the MOM table! Pickering also nominated Kim as their player of the match. Sorry Kim, but I’m not starting another table for that one!

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