Carlton Park I 12 v Felixstowe I 0

04/04/09

Having had a good training session mid week in the charity match against the football gazelles Park were looking to finish the season on a high. With a few first team players missing Hayley Charles kindly stepped in goal for the second time this season and three players came out of semi retirement to boost the squad - namely Maria Adlam, Katie Jackson and Kate Tassell (Jacko and Bully). Park from the push back looked strong and passed the ball well across the pitch. Emma Tuckwell playing in right midfield caused problems with her bursting runs. She linked up well with the rest of her midfield of Tory Walton, Katie Jackson and Kate Tassell. Park were quick to open the scoring when an excellent cross from Kate Tassell found Vicky Le Fanu whose fast stick work beat the keeper and she slotted home. This seemed to open the floodgates and Park continued to add pressure on the Felixstowe defence. They quickly added their second when a shot on goal by Denise Manning found its way through a crowded ‘d’ and into the back of the net. Park found acres of space on the pitch and moved the ball well from left to right. The defence of Kirsty Marshall, Maria Adlam, Mercedes Buckle and Kerry Whatling distributed the ball well and made Felixstowe chase after the ball. Park then added their third from a penalty corner. The ball was passed short to Denise Manning whose shot was deflected in off the defender. Park’s fourth goal came again after some excellent running by Emma Tuckwell. Her shot on goal was deflected in by Denise Manning in front of the keeper. Park were in command and were able to try different moves. Felixstowe’s keeper worked hard in the goal but was finding it hard to deal with the onslaught that Park put upon her. Park’s fifth goal was scored by Denise Manning (but for the life of me I can’t remember how)! The next two goals were scored by Lynn Whittingstall one when she deflected the ball in at the near post and the other – well she scored. (I think my memory must be going)

In the second half Park had taken their foot off the pedal and started the move the ball around again trying different passes involving all players. Tory Walton opened the scoring in this half with a well taken strike on goal that beat the keeper. It was then the turn of Kerry Whatling. She took a strike on goal but the keeper saved the ball and kicked it back out but only as far as Kerry who controlled the ball and swept it into the goal. What celebrations eh! Denise Manning then finished her goal scoring for the day when the ball was fed to her and her shot on goal beat the keeper. Park continued to add pressure and although Felixstowe had a couple of breaks they were quickly dealt with by the defence of Maria Adlam, Kirsty Marshall, Mercedes Buckle and Kerry Whatling. Hayley was a mere spectator in the goal not touching the ball once during the whole game. It was then the turn of super sub Bully to add her name to the score sheet. Having just rolled onto the pitch she picked up the ball just outside the ‘d’ and slotted home a superb strike which was unstoppable. Park finished the scoring for the day when Tory Walton again causing problems with her quick stick work found her way into the ‘d’ and her reverse swipe saw the ball again beat the keeper. An excellent team performance.

An excellent season with the team gaining promotion to the East Super League next season. Many thanks to all the squad for their hard work and commitment throughout the season and also a big thank you to all my readers.

Squad: Hayley Charles, Maria Adlam, Mercedes Buckle, Kirsty Marshall, Kerry Whatling, Emma Tuckwell, Tory Walton, Kate Tassell, Katie Jackson, Vicky Le Fanu, Lynn Whittingstall, Denise Manning

Report by Denise Manning.