CAMBS LEAGUE DIV ONE - Cup

Sawtry Ladies 1st XI (1) vs Market Deeping Ladies 1st XI (1)

The real opposition for the slightly depleted Deeping Ladies 1st team this weekend was the weather. As they stepped out to face Sawtry in this cup match the heavens opened. The players and pitch were waterlogged but the 22 bedraggled ladies battled on.
From the off Deeping looked lethargic and Sawtry took advantage quickly, moving the ball sharply and attacking at goal.
However Deeping’s defence was solid throughout and they gave no real chances to their opposition until a second blow to the face for Amy Ellington left Deeping with only ten on the pitch. Sawtry seized the opportunity and used the space to put them 1-0 up.
As the second half started Deeping looked a little fierier.
The league leaders clearly did not like being a goal down and fought hard to stay in the game. An astute pass from Amy Gwilliam to the top of the D looked to be Deeping’s most dangerous move yet. The shot was blocked by Sawtry but a short was given.
Neither team’s routines had been working due to the lack of speed on the soggy pitch but Deeping were determined to convert this one.
At the rebound several players hounded the goalie and a penalty flick was awarded. Karen Goddard confidently put it in the back of the net and brought the teams level.
Aside from a disallowed high shot on a Sawtry corner the rest of the game was in Deeping’s control. They were never on top form this week but showed they don’t crack under pressure.
Deeping will start 2007 on top of the Cambs league one with a game in hand.

CAMBS LEAGUE DIV TWO - Cup

Market Deeping Ladies 2nd XI (0) vs Wisbech Ladies 3rd XI (1)

Deeping’s second team also battled the weather in their third game against Wisbech this season. With honours shared thus far it was no surprise that this was a close hard-fought game, with both sides trying to play good hockey throughout the deluge. Deeping just about shaded the first half with Wisbech unable to contain Anya McKenzie. Nicky Buckby marauded around the Wisbech half, passing well, and Orla Carmody was back in harness on the left wing.
The mainly wise old heads in defence looked calm and competent most of the time, with one of this season’s surprise packages, the much-improved teenage Erin Carmody at left back, dealing cleverly with everything that came her way.
The second half gradually turned Wisbech’s way - even though Deeping made the better but far fewer chances at the other end - and eventually a good Wisbech move and finish gave them the victory. The seconds now have a long break until January 2007 while the 1st XI has a few friendlies.

Division 3NW

Market Deeping 1st XI vs Bourne 2nd XI

In common with most of the 3NW fixtures, Deeping’s game with Bourne was postponed after a waterlogged astro proved unplayable.

Division 4NW

Peterborough Exiles 1st XI (2) vs Market Deeping 2nd XI (1)

The 2nd XI was short of a few regulars and the game seemed to be played at a slower pace than of late, possibly due to a wet pitch.
Despite some good pressure from Market Deeping, the team never really threatened to score. There were a number of short corners but Exiles defended and marked well.
Exiles then opened the scoring midway through the first half from a short corner but Market Deeping equalised before half-time. Jason Purllant squeezed the ball home with a flick after some scrappy play in front of the Exiles goalkeeper.
Exiles retook the lead from a short corner and held onto it for the rest of the game despite Deeping having a player advantage on two separate occasions following yellow cards for dissent.
Overall Exiles just about deserved their win in a hard fought competitive match.

Division 6NW

Market Deeping 3rd XI (4) vs Ely 3rd XI (3)

The hillside astro location at Stamford obviously drains better than other grounds as this was one of only two games played in this league. The hugely improved third team made a remarkable start against a decent Ely team, playing some lovely passing hockey up both flanks and pouncing on anything loose in and around the Ely D. Ben Dalgliesh a defender converted to right wing constantly rattled Ely.
Phil Arnold continued his remarkable goal-scoring record this season with a clever turn and finish after five minutes. This was followed by a debatable but well-taken goal from Freddie Cook a few minutes later. Matt Brown got his goal-scoring back on track by picking up a rebound at close range after heavy Deeping pressure and pushing home. A really clever deflection of a Dalgliesh pass by Tom Allam gave Deeping a fourth shortly before half time. Kevin Richardson had dominated in midfield and the defence was again excellent.
Deeping’s first move of the second half almost yielded a goal, but then Ely threw caution to the winds and attacked in numbers, rattling Deeping’s defence. Makeshift keeper Steve Windsor made a bad error to let Ely in and lift them further. Deeping lost shape and their control of the midfield and despite some short corner saves, two more keeping errors made for a hairy last five minutes for Deeping, before Windsor booted the last attack clear, and the whistle sounded for a win Deeping just about deserved.
After two difficult weeks they should be back to full goalkeeping strength for what may be a surprisingly tough last game of 2006, a local derby at Oakham.
Deeping moved further ahead of St. Neots in third place as Neots lost the only other game to be played in this league.