Ladies put up brave fight despite player shortage

Huntingdon Town 1

Cambridge City Reserves 4

A SHORTAGE of players over the Christmas period meant Town went into this fixture with only 10 ladies on the field and the hosts paid the price.

Huntingdon started competently, working well as a team to string a few good passes together with the three across the back holding their own against a young and quick City attack.

However, after 20 minutes, the inevitable happened and Town conceded a sloppy goal as a Cambs forward was given space to slot home.

Huntingdon held their shape despite the setback and the play continued with the two teams fairly evenly matched.

On the half-hour mark, a break down the right hand side saw the ball come to Jodie Penfold, starting up front for only the second time. Penfold received the ball and took it around two defenders before thumping in an unstoppable shot.

The goal led to a period of good play by the home side, but the speed of the City attack was a constant danger and on more than one occasion, Town's player of the match goalkeeper Sian Phillips saved the day with finger-tip saves.

She was finally beaten just before half-time as City regained their lead with a quick break through a static defence.

After the break, Town rarely got out of their own half with tired legs resulting in some last-ditch defending and more heroic goalkeeping from Phillips. Eventually, pressure told and City scored two make the score reflect their overall superiority.

Although the game ended 4-1, Huntingdon heads could be held high. With only 10 players, one of whom had been playing with an injury, they managed to hold their own, and gave City a decent game.

INFORMATION: Anyone interested in playing or supporting Huntingdon Town Ladies can contact Anna on 07919181367 or email huntstownlfc@hotmail.co.uk