Under brilliant blue skies’ and glorious sunshine the Ducklington girls arrived, full of spirit and determination, for the start of another new season ahead. They were supported by a strong crowd of supporters who cheered them on every step of the way!
                      
After a seriously encouraging team talk of tactical manouveours  and inspirational idea’s their Manager took them out onto the pitch.

Referee, Graham Ostle was keen to get the game started, blew his whistle and away the girls went.

Within the first minute, a cross, received by the nimble feet of Marston’s Shannon Woodley, put the away team into a 1-0 lead.

Determined not to be disillusioned, the Ducklington girls held their heads high and put some pressure on.

Emily Gee put in some strong tackles and defended well. The ball was whisked up the right wing by the forever sprightly, Sophie Pym, but was met by the strength of the Marston Saints defenders.

By minute ten, Lauren Major, in her usual fashion, greeted the ball at her feet, and sped up the pitch like a whippet. She had a shot at goal, which unfortunately bounced off the right post.

This was proceeded by a run from  Ella Butler, who made a fantastic shot, but was once again saved by the Saints goalie.

It was now the Saints turn to have a run at goal, but unfortunately for them, the Ducks goalie, Viv Hughes, was in full form and in her truly professional way, greeted the ball with open arms. A minute later, Viv, being kept on her toe’s with her wits about her, let those same arms save yet another goal!

With the pressure on, the Ducks and the Saints continued to entertain the crowd, and once again the ball found itself spinning off the feet of Lauren Major. Another shot at goal, but to no avail.

With a brilliant header from Ella Butler, the game found itself being played in the saints half, but with her shiny new boots, ducks defender Katy Hoare entertained us all with her skill full touch.

In the sixteenth minute Shannon Woodley managed to put the saints into a 2-0 lead, but still the Ducklington girls refused to be beaten and continued to play the first half of the game with enthusiasm and passion.

The half time whistle blew, and the Duck girls were relieved to be sitting under the shade of a tree, with the juice of their oranges dribbling down their chins and the soothing sound of their managers voice encouraging them all on!

With no time to waste, the second half saw another great save from Viv Hughes. This girl really was showing her true potential, and was rising to the challenge.

Five minutes into the second half saw a great turn on the ball from ducks Laura Jones who with real precision passed to her team mate Katie Weaving. Katie then had a great run at goal but her strong shot was saved by the saints goalie.

Good performances from Katie Weaving, Katy Hoare, Ella Butler and Laura Jones but player of the match awarded to Viv Hughes for some fine saves and great kicking.

Ella On The Ball (Photo By Ed Mullis)