All those who ventured out on this cold frosty morning to the Ducklington ground, were welcomed by both coaches preparing the ground for the impending game.

There was a sign of unease between them, as both paced up and down, pushing and prodding the earth, wondering if it was going to be playable or not. An overnight frost had certainly left the earth somewhat hard in places.

As some of the Benson team and coach arrived, you could almost read the coaches face. ‘Well, I don’t know about playing on this, bit hard isn't’t it’ Either that, or it was just that at this point Benson only had 5 players in attendance. But, although cold, the sun was out, and both Steve and Graham were starting to look a bit more confident that we were ‘on’ for a game.

Within plenty of time the second contingent of players arrived from Benson and with a final agreement that all was OK, a 9.40 kick off saw both sides straight into what was to become a really entertaining match.

Early indicators from both sides pointed to well matched sides, but within only a few minutes Katie Mullis was on the attack, well supported by ‘Foxy’ Some fine passing between them finally saw Katie fire one into the back of the net, giving the home side a great start. 1-0

Then, following some attacking play from Benson an unfortunate miss shot ricochet off Megan Ostle right into the goal, catching Megan Want off guard. 1-1

However, both Megan Ostle and Megan Want seemed to easily brush off what had happened, and fell back into concentrating on the game. Scores now level, Benson tried hard to break down the Ducklington defence, but the ever dependable Millie Eaton and Megan Ostle were having none of it.

Millie Eaton notably working her socks off today, she seemed to be everywhere at anytime that even a sniff of a Benson attack was eminent. But to all watching it was just the way that, time and time again the ball was recycled back up the field, picked up in midfield by Channel Ebanja or Tasia Horne and passed onto the forwards.

It was during such play that Katie made a lovely run from midfield, winding her way past a number of Benson players before hammering home another to add to the home tally.

Then within minutes she did the almost exactly the same again! 3-1

Even with Steve’s 10 minute roll on, roll off substitution system all players fell immediately into place within the team. The next opportunity at goal fell to ‘Foxy’ always reading the game well, again running almost from midfield unchallenged. She finished in style, right into the back of the net. Hammering right passed a rather deflated looking Benson goalie. 4-1

Benson now seemed to have very little left in the tank, and although they endlessly kept probing the Ducklington defence, they seemed unable to capitalise on any opportunities at goal. Megan Want was hardly challenged by the Benson forwards today, but is without doubt growing in confidence every game.

The home side sensing a big chance for a high scoring game now, Eleanor Thompson made a clean break from midfield play, and raced up the left wing. Reading the game, and moving in full support, ‘Foxy’ heads for the goal mouth. A well placed pass by Eleanor, and ‘Foxy’ drives the ball into the back of the net to give the home side a 5-1 half time score.

Whatever the Benson coach said to his players at half time seemed to do the trick, as the visitors tried to take on a more positive game play at the start of the second half. They seemed more determined to stop anymore goals being scored.

As much as they tried the ‘Duck’ defence was not breaking down and even when some attacking play put them within striking distance, Benson seemed unable to get a clear shot at goal.

It was soon evident again, that Ducklington were the more dominant side, with every player very much playing there part in today’s fabulous game.

The later stages of the second half saw two further goals by the ever goal hungry Katie making the final score 7-1

All together a fast, entertaining and complete team game. By far the best game this season!

Well done girls!

Player of the match – Millie Eaton (Rock solid defence)

Kev Thompson.

Great Save From Megan Want
(Photo By Ed Mullis)

Megan Ostle On The Ball
(Photo By Ed Mullis)

Katie Mullis Attacks
(Photo By Ed Mullis)

A "Foxy" Goal
(Photo By Ed Mullis)

Eleanor Thompson Battles In Midfield.
(Photo By Ed Mullis)

Gabby Hill Gets The Ball
(Photo By Ed Mullis)

Chanel Ebanja's Solid Performance
(Photo By Ed Mullis)

Taisia Horne Dispossess Benson's Number 17.
(Photo By Ed Mullis)

Milly "Foxy" Foxcroft
(Photo By Ed Mullis)