After a shaky start, the ladies hockey Blues pulled together to defeat Cambridge City’s second team by two goals to one, continuing their impressive unbeaten record in the East Women’s League so far this season.

In sub-zero temperatures the Blues looked agile as they retained the majority of possession early on and were rewarded with an early short corner which was saved by some extremely competent goal keeping. The Blues sustained the pressure and were rewarded with a series of short corners which continued to be successfully cleared by the Cambridge City defence keeping the score at 0-0.

However, in an unexpected break the Cam City team were able to break through the Blues defenders to score with the goal coming from Heidi Cone who had driven the ball up from the midfield. The Blues replied by once again stepping up the pressure and it was fourth time lucky as they scored a convincing goal from the set piece of a short corner which they were given minutes before the end of the second half, putting the score at 1-1.

This seemed to be the wake-up call for the Blues who emerged after the second half with a new lease of life and some fantastic drives up the wings by Mel Addy and Jess Sturgeon, catching City off-guard on a number of occasions.  However, it was evidently difficult for them to break through the solid City defence who consistently blocked any attempt on goal.

A nervous five minutes followed for the Blues after a contentious decision by the referee led to three consecutive short corners being awarded to Cambridge City, although none of them were converted into goals. The Blues response was once again to pressurise City’s defence, eventually leading to the scoring of a second goal. Although this was somewhat scrappy it nonetheless showed that their hard work and determination had paid off.

Both teams were committed until the final whistle, yet there just was not enough time for City to make up the one goal deficit. The athleticism of the City goal keeper must be applauded, however, as without her persistence and determination, the score may have been very different.

Neither sides should be disappointed with their performance, but the Blues should certainly take heart from their victory in preparation for their league game against Lincoln next week.