An early start this week as the convoy heads off to Abingdon for a 9.30 Kick off against St Edmunds at their Boxhill road ground.

Memories of our visit last season, when an almighty hail shower brought a very cold and wet break in the game. All clear today though, as we arrive for what is expected to be a tough game, as both sides have been fighting for the top slots in the league table all season.

A quick warm up and the game kicks off right on time. Right from the whistle
St Edmunds are straight on the attack, with a shot at goal within minutes. A great relief though in the Ducklington camp as it’s a near miss.

Some hard tackling and great reading of the game puts the home side well in charge, with nearly all the game play, at this stage being confined to the ‘Duck’ half. Ducklington now very much on the defence, with Katie Mullis, back supporting midfield, even sweeping back to help out Millie Eaton and Magan Ostle in defence.

Lots of support from the Ducklington supporters and coach, soon rallies the visiting players and a loose ball gives ‘Foxy’ a chance to make a dash up the right wing. All supporters waiting for the cross into the box, but the ball gets away from her and crosses the line some metres to the side of the goal.

The game continues with very few attacking opportunities for Ducklington. It was certainly the Ducklington defence and goalie Megan Want who were to be put to the test this week. In midfield Channel, Eleanor, Tasia and Gaby all battle hard to try and win some ball from St Edmunds. But time and time again are beaten by some hard and skilful tackling by the home side.

A lack of possession makes it hard for Ducklington to put together any attacking play. Just before half time St Edmunds had not one but two chances to score. Both from corners. But both missed the mark.

The second half saw the Ducklington side out and looking a bit sharper. But within minutes St Edmunds were back on the attack. Probing at the Ducklington defence looking for a way through. This constant pressure soon gave them two chances at goal, both of which were saved by Megan Want. It was during an attack on the Ducklington goal, that some scrappy play in front of the goal lead to a shot by St Edmunds, this deflected off a ‘Duck’ player to give an own goal. 1-0

It soon could be sensed within the Ducklington supporters that the final whistle could not come soon enough. A big chance came when Ducklington were awarded a free kick for a St Edmunds infringement of the rules.

As all supporters on the line held their breathes for this chance to even the score line. Katie took her best shot, but it was not her day today and it drifted off the right of target. All supporters seemed to sense that that was the best it was going to get today.

A minute or so later and the final whistle blow. Final Score: 1-0 A very hard game today, lots of lessons to be learnt. But never the less a very exciting game to watch.

Hard luck girls.

Well played. Player Of The Match: Tasia Horne. (Strong midfield play)

Chanel Ebanja On the Ball
(Photo By Ed Mullis)

Katie Millis
(Photo By Ed Mullis)

Megan Ostle On The Ball
(Photo By Ed Mullis)

Taisia Horne - Well Played
(Photo By Ed Mullis)