Hornets ladies needed a win against Newton Abbot today to get a well needed 3 points.

It was a cold start but Hornets managed to start strongly away from home. Hornets played well for the first 20 mins but had only a few chances on goal. Linda Mitcham scored an amazing goal from Louisa Squires cross as it rebounded off her stick at waist height into the back of the goal. Hornets allowed Newton Abbot into the game more in the second part of the first half but they couldn't capitalise on this. Half time score was 1-0.

Newton Abbot played strongly in midfield with a few strong runs through the middle to score one back. Hornets responded by a second goal from a great pass into the d from Charlotte Howard for Karen Tiley to slot the ball into the right hand side of the goal. Hornets played well with some good runs and passing at times.

Hornets had a number of chances on goal and one that was disallowed when it seemed to go over the line. Shortly before the end Hornets managed a battle in the d for Alex to place the ball in the back of the net from some scrapy play.

Well done Hornets a well deserved win! Fingers crossed for the cup game on Sunday.

Hornets started the stronger team in the first 10 minutes pushing forward and putting pressure on the ISCA goal keeper. However ISCA then got back into the game to play a strong possession game against Hornets.

Throughout the first half, play was fast paced from both teams competing for the ball but it was Hornets that scored first. Emily Mitchem dribbled the ball past many players to pass a perfectly timed cross to Julie Heal, who scored her first goal of the game. ISCA put pressure on the Hornets defence but goalkeeper Ali Pringe had a top notch performance to prevent ISCA scoring in the first half. It was a highly competitive game throughout with many balls in the first half being lifted dangerously. Half time score was 1-0 to Hornets.

The second half brought many more goals and much ball possession from ISCA but when Hornets did get the ball they punished the ISCA defence. Laura Reed slipped a cracking cross to Julie Heal to score her second. Julie then managed to get her hatrick by intercepting an ISCA ball near the D then driving in hard to confuse the goal keeper to slot the ball through her legs.

After Hornets third goal, ISCA responded with their first goal of the game half way into the second half and then the final goal shortly before full time. It was an impressive game from the Hornets team who go second in the Petrov division closely behind Dart who have only just come down from the league above. Player of the match was of course Ali Pringe.

Well done girls!

The ladies 2nd team knew it was going to be a tough fixture against a young University side on the very hot October morning but they hoped their experience would win the game.

The ladies 2nd team had a strong start with only 10 players against a well organised but relatively inexperienced University side. The first goal came quickly in the first 10 minutes of play with a nice goal from Linda Mitchem. It came after some great work upfront from Laura Reed and Julie Heal showing some excellent skills with the ball to allow Linda Mitchem to strike the ball in the back of the net.

The first 15 minutes was a challenge for Hornets with only 10 players but they rose to the challenge, worked well together as a team and put 100 percent effort into everything they did. Unfortunately Exeter Uni scored shortly after Hornets opening goal but this didn't deter a determined and motivated Hornets side who went on to score a second before half time. Linda demonstrated some superb individual skills and managed a second goal after some determined effort to get the ball past a number of players including the goalie.

Hornets dominated much of the first half even with 10 players but were strengthened with the help of the 11 player 15 minutes before half time. Half time score was 2-1 to Hornets.

The second half proved to be a tough half in the heat. Hornets managed to score their final goal from some good work in midfield from Emily Mitchem for Julie Heal to pass a quick ball to Laura Reed, who slotted the ball into the back of the net. Unfortunately the Hornets defence conceded two goals from strong Uni attacks to make the score even. Hornets defence showed some excellent defending skills in particular from Captain Ali Pring who lead her side strongly.

The score ended in a draw but Hornets felt they played the better game and should have come out with a win. Linda Mitchem deserving was player of the match and Hornets look forward to a successful season in the new Petrov division 1.