With both teams involved equal on points, this early morning match was an important one for Mendip as they travelled to face Nailsea.
The visiting side started the match with some high intensity hockey, and although they had many attacking changes, were unable to find the back of the net. Winger Amy McGowan was particularly instrumental in these, making some speedy runs up the wings and putting some dangerous crosses into the D, and it was this that earned her Player of the Match.
With the scores level at half-time, Mendip knew they had to come back out with even more energy and desire if they were to take anything from this match. Perhaps against the run of play, Nailsea scored early in the second half to put themselves ahead, however this did not deter Mendip. No more than five minutes later, the score was level once again after Carol Holmes struck home from a brilliant through ball from midfielder Sally Stanford.
Both teams were intent on getting all three points, which meant that the remainder of the match was end-to-end. Mendip defended well, with central-defender Sarah Whittaker putting in some important tackles and distributing the ball well to start off attacking moves. Mendip were unlucky not to win this match, as the closing few minutes saw the Nailsea keeper in action numerous times after a sustained period of pressure from the visiting team.
Next week, Mendip Ladies Seconds face Somerset Gryphons at home in Midsomer Norton, Norton Hill School, at 1.30 p.m.
Connie Glover