Carlton Park I 4 v Bury St Edmunds III 0

08/11/08

Park playing their first game after the pitch was resurfaced found the going a little bit sluggish on Saturday. With the pitch holding a lot of sand and very windy conditions it took a while for the home side to settle down. Park dominated the play and were unlucky not to score an early goal when an excellent cross by Vicky Le Fanu just could find the final touch from the attacking forwards. Park were awarded a few penalty corners but again took time to adjust to the pace of the ball. The breakthrough came when a shot on goal was deflected in off Lynn Whittingstall. Park kept up the pressure and again were solid under the defence of Kirsty Marshall, Mercedes Buckle, Mel Rodwell and Kerry Whatling. Park quickly added their second goal when some good strong work from Sarah Whatling saw her carry the ball into the ‘d’. She was then infringed but play was allowed to carry on as she was still in possession. The loose ball was found by Denise Manning whose shot thundered into the back of the net. Park were passing the ball well and again good running from Emma Tuckwell kept the visitors under pressure. Park added their third goal of the half when a good cross from the right was scooped in by Roo Mackie.

In the second half Park were heading into the wind and couldn’t quite find the rhythm of the first half. Vicky Le Fanu worked hard on the right wing connecting well with Emma Tuckwell and Wendy Corneby. The visitors were awarded a penalty corner but again Park’s defence were hardly troubled and Karen Fletcher was well protected in the goal. Emma Tuckwell and Kerry Whatling found acres of space in midfield with the former bursting through from midfield but unlucky not to add her name onto the scoresheet. Bury’s keeper was kept busy and she produced a couple of excellent saves to keep them in the game. Park’s final goal came from a free hit. Roo Mackie’s perfect hit was connected by Lynn Whittingstall who popped out between two defenders to slot home. Another good win and a clean sheet.

Squad: Karen Fletcher, Kirsty Marshall, Mercedes Buckle, Mel Rodwell, Kerry Whatling, Emma Tuckwell, Roo Mackie, Wendy Corneby, Lynn Whittingstall, Vicky Le Fanu, Sarah Whatling, Denise Manning

Report by Denise Manning.