North Devon Ladies produce spirited display in tough conditions

In spite of the horrendous weather conditions on Saturday, North Devon Ladies’ 2s turned up to Park School determined to unsettle visiting adversaries ISCA Ladies’ 3s and, despite ultimately falling to defeat in their eighth outing of the season, unsettle them they did with a spirited display.

Beginning the match with a bang, the hosts took the lead in the fifth minute of the contest, when Edie Milan produced a great run to find Regina Lilii in space, who slotted past the hoalkeeper with gusto, putting the 2s ahead for the first time this season.

ISCA fought back boldly with strong counter-attacks of their own, but North remained steadfast in midfield and defence and, thanks to some great saves by Amanda Parsons between the sticks, the hosts managed to keep the visitors at bay for the next 15 minutes.

Unfortunately, after a further flurry of attacks and a penalty corner, the away side were able to gain a stranglehold on proceedings and converted their chances, going in 3-1 ahead at the break.

A whole host of positives were shared at half time and the hosts went back out knowing there was little separating the teams. At 55 minutes, however, ISCA scored a fourth from another penalty corner.

Despite facing an uphill battle, this seemed to ignite North’s fire, and they fired back just two minutes later when Gaby Lansley drove gallantly into the D to take on the goalkeeper and finished cooly to find the back of the net.

Five minutes later, North Devon were awarded a penalty corner, which Sally Poll struck before collecting the rebound to find Edie Milan in space, who converted to make the score 4-3.

North Devon controlled the second half and registered a great collective display. Although they weren’t able to find the equaliser, this was the ladies’ strongest performance of the season to date by far and shows the promise of their hard work in training.

Elsewhere, North Devon Ladies’ 1s proved unstoppable again, with a fantastic 5-0 win to sweep Taunton Vale Ladies’ 4s aside and see them consolidate their position at the top of the table on goal difference.

North Devon Men’s 2s hosted Exeter & Culm Vale Hornets Men’s 2s in a very cagey affair that saw the visitors narrowly eek out a 0-1 win to strengthen their position in the league table. In a game short on chances, this one could have gone either way.

North Devon Men’s 1s travelled to meet Torbay Men’s 1s for what would be a thrilling 3-3 clash. A decent result against a strong side, this result continues North’s upturn in fortunes in recent weeks.