Crostyx 3 Sudbury 1

The last two games for Crostyx ladies 1st XI had not produced the expected results so it was with some caution that they travelled to Sudbury on Saturday to play the side currently placed second in the league. Having lost 1-0 to Sudbury earlier in the season in a game that they should have won Crostyx were keen to make amends against a notoriously physical side.

As expected the home side came out fighting from the start and it was clear that Crostyx would have to ride the physical challenges if they were to get anything from the game.

Despite the attempts by Sudbury to spoil the play Crostyx created some of their best attacking moves of the season, building from the back and passing the ball at pace through the midfield to the forwards. Although there were a few half chances the visitors did not manage to break the deadlock in the first half.

Midfielder Donna Blockley suffered a nasty blow to the hand during one of the physical clashes and had to go off towards the end of the first half. However, with a strong squad Crostyx were able to adjust without affecting their rhythm.

Crostyx were determined to maintain their momentum after the break, starting strongly and pressing hard. They were rewarded with a succession of short corners as the midfield and forwards ran the Sudbury defense ragged. Sudbury defended the first three corners well, forcing Crostyx to try all their routines in an attempt to break the deadlock.

The next corner was slipped right for Jo Ward to strike. The keeper got a foot to the shot and the ball dropped just outside the left post. It was quickly passed back across the goal for player of the match Sophie Daltry to sweep home from the right post to open the scoring.

Crostyx had the lead they deserved but the visitors knew they would need more goals if they were to get a result. They continued to attack at pace whilst playing some of the best possession hockey of the season. Keeley Pratt and Laura Beaton got forward well to support the attack and when Sudbury failed to clear a loose ball just outside the D Beaton extended the lead with a superb strike from the top of the D.

Sophie Daltry and Jo Ward put good pressure on the Sudbury defense, showing strength on the ball and winning free hits inside the 25 but with 10 minutes left to play Sudbury found some form of their own. The Crostyx defense responded well to a wave of counter attacks but a frustrated tackle awarded Sudbury a short corner which they converted from the right post.

At 2-1 with 5 minutes to play Crostyx were more than aware of the recent leads that they had let slip. On this occasion they defended well with Anne Bills and Alys Hackett holding the ball up well down the right. Hackett was eventually able to release an inch perfect pass down the line to Sarah Belsham, relieving the pressure and allowing Crostyx a counter attack of their own.

With support from midfield Belsham passed the ball square to Pratt who attacked the D. The Sudbury defender managed to block her shot but the ball fell to Beaton who took no hesitation in firing home for the 2nd time in the match.

A fantastic performance and a well earned victory for Crostyx which they will be looking to build upon when they play host to Folkestone on Saturday.