Mens 2s: Travelled to Felixstowe to take on fellow high fliers Felixstowe 2s. The match was one of few chances and became bogged down in midfield with both defences well on top. Newmarket’s goal when it came in the second half, was from Peter Terrett (11 in 5 for him) whose deflected shot beat the keeper at his near post. This did trigger a response from Felixstowe but Newmarket held on quite comfortably if truth be told, with the result seeing them move a point clear of second place. With only 1 top 5 team left to play before Christmas, Newmarket have an excellent chance of putting some distance between them and their pursuers before the winter break. Next up a home tie against Dereham 3s at 12:45
Ladies 2s: Currently find themselves top of their league (4NW) after their unbeaten start to the season continued when St Neots 3s could not raise a team. They are next up away to mid table March 1s at 11:30.
Mens 1s: Picked up their first win of the season and seemed to have turned a corner. After 2 heavy defeats to start the season followed by 2 draws, Newmarket are beginning to reap the rewards of a more stable first team line up. Goals from Josh Dawson and Felix Allen in the first half, two more in the second curtesy of Dylan Hardy and captain Simon Donald along with a much needed first clean sheet of the season meant Newmarket were just too good for Norwich Dragons 2s. Next up, a quick trip down the A14 to play Bury St Edmunds 2s, who sit a place and a point ahead of them.
Ladies 1s: Suffered only their second defeat of the season at home to St Ives 1s. Newmarket had the better of the first 15 minutes and deservedly took the lead through a Jess Richardson goal. This goal however only seemed to galvanise St Ives and from that point on, to the final whistle, St Ives dominated Newmarket. If it wasn’t for the back line, notably Becca Barnes and Tania Fisher, Newmarket may well have conceded more than the 3 they did. The result did not see them loose position in the league as they still sit 5th. Next up 2nd place Kettering 1s, away at 11.15, who will prove another tough test .
Ladies 3s: Headed out with a strong team to play second in the division St Ives L3. With a first half backline of Melly Benedikz (GK first half), Faye Andreou, Isable Verdonk and Liv Wright, Midfield of Helen Hansgate, Zoe Bailey, Millie Hansgate and Peggy Claydon, and a strike team of Leah Palmer, Natalie Rice and Robyn Kennedy with Vicky Benedikz subbing on as required. St Ives pressed from the start and worked hard in all areas to push the ball across the line, but Newmarket held tight and fought to win the ball back and kept the score line even. Shorts were given equally to both teams with a stroke being awarded and rescinded through the honesty of V Benedikz on the post. Lots of almost opportunities to put the ball in the back of the net but all was not lost, we had plenty of time.
Half time score 0-0
With a quick change within the defence Wright taking the helmet and M Benedikz taking an outfield position she showed a freshness that was most welcome at the start of the second half and allowing Andreou to drop back a little. A great attack coming from Robyn Kennedy early in the first half showed promise, but St Ives kept up the pressure and it felt like it was only a matter of time before the straw came along that would break the camel’s back. The Newmarket goal came from attacking pressure on a defender in the D – V Benedikz didn’t give up and slipped the ball to Leah Palmer who was on the post to nudge it past the keeper. 1-0 Newmarket. St Ives came back strongly, keeping up their attacks and getting their equaliser 10 minutes later. For the last 15 minutes the game was end to end stuff with attacks at both ends being snuffed out by dominant defences. It was a good game.
Full time score 1-1
Player of the Match – Millie Hansgate – for consistent pressure throughout the game and never giving up. Lemon of the Match – Peggy Claydon / Faye Andreou – PC for coming on with the wrong stick after a sub and then running off to switch it / FA for taking a scenic route in St Ives to get to the pitch claiming she was distracted.
Mens 3s: Can feel rightly aggrieved following their 3v2 loss against Felixstowe 3s. Newmarket were totally dominant for the first 45 minutes of the game, scored twice through Carl Alecock and a Michael Radford short corner and were under little threat from Felixstowe’s attackers. Then following an incident that should have seen both teams reduced to 10, only Newmarket were. In the following chaos Felixstowe scored 3 quick goals. Once Newmarket returned to full strength the danger to their back line evaporated again, but they were unable to find an equaliser, which would have been the very least they deserved. Next week, Newmarket take to the field at home, hoping for better luck against table toppers Sudbury 3s at 9.45.