Dawlish Ladies Hockey Club Blog

New rules 2009/2010

2010-08-01T18:23:00.004+01:00

Last season there were some new rules introduced that made a significant difference to the game. We have found this video by UNSW Hockey Club that demonstrates the FIH 2009 mandatory experimental rule for the "self pass" from a free hit. Watching it should help everyone get a better understanding of this rule.

A Disappointing Result

2010-02-10T16:21:00.000Z

DAWLISH vs. OTTERY CRICKETS 2

Due to last minute sickness it was a ten man Dawlish that made the trip to Ottery on Saturday to try and maintain their confident start to the New Year and second place in the league.

Despite the lack of an eleventh player Dawlish started strongly holding position and building some impressive attacks down the right wing with Anne Darby and Jess Green. Dawlish’s positive start was soon rewarded with a short corner received by Helen Nicholson on the top of the D and slipped to Lottie Young whose strike beat the keeper to give Dawlish a one nil lead.

As the first half developed Ottery were able to make their own breaks into the Dawlish defence but Sarah Webster, the Dawlish Keeper, was on hand making some impressive saves to keep the visitors ahead. Dawlish continued to use the right wing with great effect and before the half time whistle Jess Green made a soaring run leaving the Ottery players unable to make a tackle and found Amy Reed in the D who made finishing the attack look easy.

At the half time whistle Dawlish were two goals up but Ottery had a short corner to play out which they converted to draw one back. Dawlish started the second half disappointed to have conceded a last minute goal and down to nine players, due to a blood injury. Playing a man short started to affect Dawlish’s game and Ottery took full advantage breaking through the midfield despite a tireless display from Liz Reed in the centre. The Dawlish defence of Mandy Lovell and Tasha Bailey stood up well to the Ottery forwards and in the end it was a soft goal which beat Webster to level the scores.

Dawlish continued to fight on with Gemma Wilkes tracking back on the left against Ottery’s strong right wing and came close to tacking the lead on a number of occasions with near missed short corners and shots that beat the keeper but went just wide; but with weary legs it was to remain a draw. A true battle and with the scores to prove it Dawlish made the journey home with just the one point.

A successful end to 2009!

2009-12-15T18:14:00.002Z

Dawlish vs. Sidmouth II

The rearranged fixture against Sidmouth, due to the pitch being flooded on the originally scheduled date, was the last match of 2009 for Dawlish so they were looking to finish on a high.

Dawlish started strongly and quickly took control of the game as the forward line used speed and skill to break past the Sidmouth defence. Twice Helen Nicholson was denied by the Sidmouth keeper but the Dawlish forwards kept on the pressure and Mel Barnes’ confident strike rewarded them with a 1-0 lead.

With the two Dawlish wings running at the Sidmouth defence and backed up by a strong Dawlish midfield it was not long before the home team furthered their lead with a strike from Nicholson. Sidmouth were unable to take any control over the match and appeared to be trapped in their own half. Following a succession of long corners from the right Nicholson added her second to make the score 3-0 at half time.

Having failed to take any control of the game in the first half Sidmouth came out for the second with a change of formation and tactics; man marking the Dawlish centre forward and putting pressure on the forward runs of Liz Reed and Lottie Young in the middle.

Although the change in Sidmouth tactics did not see them take control of the match it did slow down the Dawlish attack. Following a break in play Sidmouth secured a short corner and scored from the rebound. Dawlish continued to pile on the pressure, despite the visitors consolation goal, with some strong work on the right from Jess Green and Anne Darby. The home side were unlucky not to get more out of the second half with some questionable decisions and some very near misses but the score remained at 3-1 for the final whistle.

After a slow start to the season and two straight defeats Dawlish have come back well and finish 2009 third in the league behind local rivals Teignmouth who are ahead on goal difference.

Back to winning ways!

2009-12-07T18:21:00.000Z

Dawlish vs. Honiton
5th December 2009

Dawlish travelled to face Honiton with a full side but no subs and started confidently with a formation that has worked well for them this season. They put early pressure on the Honiton defence using the speed and skill of their two young wings Jess Green and Amy Reed. But despite Dawlish’s pressure up front they seemed to have a gap in their midfield and when Honiton made a counter attack they found their way through the Dawlish defence and scored from a strong driving pass from the right.

As the first half continued Dawlish continued to put on the pressure; Anne Darby and Green linked well on the right to force short corners and Reed came close to levelling the score on a number of occasions. Dawlish were finally given a clear chance to level the scores before the half time whistle after a Honiton defender cleared their line with a foot and the visitors were rewarded a penalty flick. Helen Nicholson took the flick and beat the keeper to make it 1-1 as the whistle went.

A change of formation at the start of the second half saw Tasha Bailey move out onto the left half to support Amy Reed, and Gemma Wilkes take over the sweeper position. This change filled the first half gap in midfield and Dawlish took almost complete control of the second half with Sue Trout and Mandy Lovell picking up any stray forward runs from Honiton with ease. The Dawlish central midfield pushed forward with Lottie Young and Liz Reed giving the Honiton defence a difficult time, a strong run for Young straight through the Honiton defence finished with a pass to Nicholson which she converted into a 2-1 lead.

Dawlish were briefly down to ten men when Green had to leave the field but they continued to hold control of the match. Amy Reed was unlucky not to score as she used her strength and skill to find herself one on one with the keeper. As the end of the match approached Honiton became more determined in their defence and Dawlish felt unlucky not to have been awarded with more short corners or for cards to be shown. But it was Dawlish who got the last goal of the game with Nicholson scoring her hat trick to give her side a 3-1 well deserved, but hard fought, victory.

A Tough Draw!

2009-12-03T18:03:00.001Z

Dawlish v Teignmouth 28th November 2009

Always an exciting fixture the local derby match between Dawlish and Teignmouth 2nds did not disappoint for entertainment value. A polished and large Teignmouth Squad could have given the impression that the match would be one sided and the opening 10 minutes did not do anything to make spectators think otherwise. Teignmouth started strongly finding gaps in the Dawlish defence and putting Dawlish keeper Sarah Webster under pressure. Before Dawlish could regroup at the back Teignmouth were pushing forward again and it was not long before they took an early lead.

With the game looking like it could be a whitewash Dawlish seemed to wake up, regroup and challenge Teignmouth for the ball. Liz Reed and Lottie Young took back control of the game in midfield and Dawlish started building their own attacking plays. As the second half continued it was Dawlish who took control Jess Green using her speed on the right wing to fly past the Teignmouth defence. An aerial shot from Helen Nicholson forced a great save from the Teignmouth Keeper and after continued pressure Amy Reed levelled the score line with a confident strike on goal.

Dawlish were unable to start the second half with the same possession as they had at the end of the first but did not let Teignmouth take control of the game again. Gemma Wilkes was strong at the first line of defence for Dawlish making some powerful tackles and covering the width of the field. Teignmouth continued to pile on the pressure forcing Dawlish backs Mandy Lovell and Sue Trout to make a succession of vital tackles. Only when the pressure seemed to be off the Dawlish defence did Teignmouth manage to add to the score line; as Dawlish mounted an attack Teignmouth won a free hit and mounted a counter attack, with Dawlish short in midfield Teignmouth took advantage and went ahead.

In the final period of the game Dawlish once again took control and were rewarded with short corners but the Teignmouth defence held strong. Dawlish continued to pressure the Teignmouth goal mouth forcing saves from the keeper and eventually Jess Green managed to take advantage and level the scores. As one might expect from a local derby not the prettiest of matches, with plenty of fight and not without umpires decisions questioned.

Another strong win for Dawlish!

2009-11-16T18:17:00.002Z

Dawlish vs. ISCA IV

The storms that hit the West Country last weekend looked like they may mean Dawlish’s fixture against ISCA fourths would have to be cancelled and along with late arrivals and a missing goalie kit it was not the best preparation for Dawlish after a two week break.

ISCA started strongly and twice in the first ten minutes came close to opening the scoring with strong shots going just wide of the Dawlish goal forcing some diving saves from Sarah Webster, the Dawlish keeper. Having settled down with their ten man formation, Dawlish managed to fill the gaps in midfield and start building their own attacking plays. Anne Darby and Jess Green linked well on the right and, following a goal mouth scramble, Helen Nicholson secured position and a shot to take Dawlish into the lead.

Despite Dawlish being a player down they continued to hold possession in midfield and when ISCA did manage to break they were strong at the back with Mandy Lovell and an excellent performance from Gemma Wilkes starting in defence for only the second time. The score remained 1-0 to the home side at the half time whistle but, with a player short facing a young team, there was still a long way to go.

A slight lapse in concentration at the start of the second half saw Dawlish lose control and allow ISCA some attacking runs but it was not long before Dawlish were in control again. From their first short corner of the game Yvonne Hudson passed to Lottie Young on the top of the goal whose shot found the waiting stick of Jess Green on the post to make it two nil. Dawlish really seemed to find their stride following the second goal with Young and Mel Barnes linking well through the central midfield to reach the Dawlish forwards. Another good link of play and pressure in the ISCA goal saw Nicholson’s shot deflected for an own goal.

The fourth Dawlish goal by Green looked like the nail in the coffin for an ISCA side with their heads down but they managed to make the most of a break in play and snatch a goal followed by their first short corner. Unfortunately for the visiting side their late goal was only a consolation and not a come back as Tasha Bailey tidied things up at the back and set Dawlish on another attack as Nicholson found herself goal side of the keeper and scoring Dawlish’s fifth.

Superb first win of season

2009-10-19T17:58:00.002+01:00

Following on from a disappointing start in their league results at the start of this season, despite some strong performances, Dawlish Ladies were looking to change their fortunes as they faced Torbay on Saturday.

Although there were some familiar faces, newly formed Torbay were an unknown quantity to Dawlish and following their poor results so far they started with a new formation playing back Natasha Bailey in a centrally sweeper position and welcoming back Sue Trout to the Dawlish back line. The new formation was clearly working for Dawlish who, having settled down after the first 10 minutes, opened the scoring with a confident strike from Yvonne Hudson.

Torbay were unable to make any attacking moves as they had very little possession in the first half. The Dawlish midfield were able to play high and support the forwards with their new sweeper stopping any attacking runs before it reached the Dawlish half and Sue Trout putting in a solid performance after her time away. Before half time Yvonne Hudson had scored again and Dawlish were unlucky not too have added a few more from short corners.

The second half continued with the same positive attacking play from Dawlish, Amy Reed put in impressive performances filling in to a number of difference positions and contributing equally in all. Jess Green was the next Dawlish forward to find space in the D and ensure a shot from Helen Nicholson was on target. The Torbay side continued to battle on but frustration was showing and cards were shown.

Before the final whistle Torbay’s day was to go from bad to much worse with Yvonne Hudson sealing her positive performance with a hat trick which was closely followed by strike on target by Helen Nicholson and a second for Jess Green. The strike power was impressive by Dawlish but it was made possible due to a strong midfield and a solid defence which meant that Sarah Wester, the Dawlish keeper, did not get a touch all game. A change of fortune that Dawlish will be keen to keep up next week.

Dawlish vs Dart 03/10/2009

2009-10-18T18:08:00.002+01:00

Dawlish ladies travelled to Totnes to face Dart in their first league game of the season, having finished strongly at the end of last season hopes are high for a successful year with young talent coming through the ranks.

Dawlish started well with driving attacks down the right wing by Jess Green keeping Dart stuck in their own half for the first 15 minutes. Despite the pressure and some leading passes into the Dart D Dawlish were unable to capitalise on their early good work and the home side managed get back into the game. The remainder of the second half was evenly matched with Dawlish coming close to opening the scoring when Helen Nicholson broke the back line but was unable to beat the Dart keeper. Dawlish were strong in Midfield with Lottie Young and Lizzie Reed controlling the play frustrating the Dart players into some questionable tackles. It was however Dart who got the first goal and went into half time one up scoring with a soft bouncing ball which beat the Dawlish keeper who is more used to the heroic diving saves.

Dawlish started the second half with a captain’s brief for the forwards to use their speed and skill and take on the Dart defence. It was a strategy that paid off and the pressure on the Dart defence forced more errors resulting in opportunities for Dawlish in the shape of short corners, the second of which was converted by Helen Nicholson to level the scores. With some strong breaks on the left by Gemma Wilkes and Mel Barnes Dawlish continued to run at Dart who were unable to tackle cleanly forcing the umpire to give out warnings and eventually a green card. Unfortunately for Dawlish while their forwards were deep taking on the Dart defence the Dawlish backs were left open and had lost their shape, a break by Dart left them with just the Dawlish keeper to beat.

With the final whistle blown the score finished at 2:1 to Dart; Although Dawlish showed some moments of real potential and a promising first start for Katie Shenstone there was some clear areas to work on if they want to improve on last seasons league position.

New Season Training!

2009-09-02T16:07:00.000+01:00

A new season is fast approaching; as the evenings draw in and the (questionably) hot summer takes an Indian flavour our thoughts turn to……..the start of the 09/10 hockey season!

Never fear if that summer fitness routine never quite happened and there was more Pimms than Pilates because training starts again next session on the 8th September, thus giving us plenty of time to once again reach the dizzy heights of last years fitness levels and even beyond!

Training caters for all levels of ability and fitness and we welcome all ages in a relaxed atmosphere from those who have never held a stick to established players looking to play at a local level. Training is on the Astroturf at Sandy Lane, Dawlish from 6.30pm to 7.30pm every Tuesday from the 1st September if you would like more details or just a chat please call Club secretary Mandy Lovell on 07812 856324.

New joint Captains Lottie and Helen are keen to improve on last season’s third place in the league and start the season fielding full sides every week so expect our call!

A 5-1 victory

2009-01-24T14:54:00.000Z

Following a shaky start to the New Year in last week’s local derby and a heavy training session Dawlish Ladies were determined to start their home game against Paignton II strongly and come away with a win.
It was not however the start that Dawlish had hoped for, the young Paignton side broke early into the Dawlish defence and within 10 minutes Paignton were 1-0 up. A rather shell shocked Dawlish re started the game and it was not long before it became clear that despite their poor start it was the home side who would control this game.
Lottie Young and Lizzie Reed held the ball in midfield and took on the Paignton defence to feed the the Dawlish forwards. As the first half continued Dawlish had opportunity after opportunity to test the Paignton back line with Mel Barnes and Yvonne Hudson coming agonisingly close.
It started to feel like it was not going to be Dawlish’s day and after Lottie Young took her second clout of the day, this time splitting open her finger, things looked like going from bad to worse. Down but not out Young took the next hit of the game finding Helen Nicholson in acres of space, Nicholson went round the Paignton backs and with a quick turn and reserve stick hit levelled the scores.
With the scores open for Dawlish the pressure continued and it was not long before a second goal took the home side ahead. Natasha Bailey, playing out of position on the left midfield, played a strong ball and Jess Green converted Yvonne Hudson’s initial strike on goal making it 2-1 at half time.
Dawlish came out for the second half and completely controlled the game, 90 percent of the play was in Paignton’s half with Dawlish back Mandy Lovell joining in the action with some great runs down the right wing. Unlike the first half Dawlish were able to capitalise on their control of the game and it was not long before a great play starting with Denise McMahon at the back ended with Jess Green scoring her second of the day.
The only real action Dawlish keeper Sarah Webster had in the second half was to question how Dawlish had so little short corners from all their pressure in the Paignton D? Despite the umpires decision not to reward Dawlish for their pressure they continued to increase the score line; Anne Darby switched from her normal right mid position played the ball to Nicholson whose second strike found its way round the back of the keeper.
As the game drew to a close Paignton seemed to be drained by the constant Dawlish pressure and an unmarked Nicholson once again found the back of the Paignton goal. With a 5-1 victory Dawlish were happy and hoping that their form will continue to improve in 2009.

Local Derby

2009-01-17T14:29:00.000Z

Having had a succession of games canceled, due to frozen all weather pitches, this Saturday’s league game was not only Dawlish ladies first match of 2009 but their first in over six weeks.
Starting the year with a bang Dawlish faced local rivals Teignmouth for the always competitive local Derby. Dawlish were without regular back Mandy Lovell with young player stepping in Rhiannon Depla to fill the gap, a strong Dawlish side took to the field with ambitions to start 2009 with winning ways.

The match started with both sides giving very little away and playing tight in midfield where the real battle for the game was fought. Both sides had opportunities to break into the oppositions half and take on the defense; the Teignmouth forwards could not find a way past and Natasha Bailey who both Rhiannon Depla had solid performances all match at the back. The central Dawlish midfield of Lottie Young and Lizzie Reed were able to feed the ball to Helen Nicholson who took on the Teignmouth backs but could not quite find the other Dawlish forwards to covert the good work into a goal.

As half time approached Dawlish’s lack of match fitness was beginning to show, they were not using the width to reach speedy wings Jess Green and were Mel Barnes struggling to get the ball through the Teignmouth line from their own hit outs. Dawlish Captain rallied the troops and half time with some tactical changes and threats of cardio training.

The second half started much as the first with no team controlling the match and a battle in midfield to maintain possession, but it was Teignmouth who eventually took an attacking control with the ball reaching a Teignmouth striker on the top of the D un-marked whose shot found its way past the Dawlish keeper to open the scoring.

Teignmouth’s goal seemed to be the motivation Dawlish needed to take control of the game, with Amy Reed playing out wide and the striking power of Gemma Wilkes on the forward line Dawlish put constant pressure on the Teignmouth goal mouth forcing a succession of short corners.

The Dawlish equalizer game from a strong cross field pass by Young to Anne Darby out on the right, Darby drove the ball into the D which eventually found its way to Helen Nicholson who pushed the ball home for the well deserved equalizer. The Teignmouth players attempted to dispute the goal, however both umpires were happy and the score remained at 1.1 for the final whistle. Although Dawlish would have liked a win against local rivals and certainly game very close to getting it in the later stages of the second half a draw seemed like a fair reflection of the tight fought local Derby.

Cup Match vs. Plymouth University

2008-11-29T14:53:00.000Z

At 8pm on a very cold Friday night Dawlish ladies faced Plymouth University in the first round of the cup. Following some depleted Dawlish turnouts it was a full team with substitutes that braved the cold night air.
From the start it was a fast paced and physical game but the young Dawlish players of Rhiannon Depla, Amy Reed and Mel Barnes were strong from the start. Plymouth opened the scoring going one nil up and demonstrating that in front of goal they are not going to hold back.
The Dawlish side fought back with great attacking runs and Helen Nicholson broke through the Uni midfield and with one man to go was obstructed falling dramatically. Dawlish break again and this time Nicholson plays the ball into Denise McMahon in the D who holds the ball up and shoots to level the score.
The back two of Many Lovell and Sue Trout keep the Uni forwards at bay but before half time they go ahead again. Dawlish come back strong in the second half winning a succession of short corners from positive attacking play. Anne Darby’s short corner is played to Nicholson who finds a way through the defenders and scores to level the score.
Plymouth seemed determined not to go home with anything less than a win and in the pursuit of their winning goal it was the Dawlish players not the goal which took a beating. A high shot from the top of the D hit Anne Darby in the face and Dawlish lost their right half.
The next Dawlish player to receive a high ball to the body was influential mid field player Lottie Young who took the full blow the arm. Uni eventually found away past the Dawlish defence and Keeper Sarah Webster to take the lead again.
Dawlish continued to fight hard but once Young left the field to leave a ten man Dawlish Uni took advantage and took the game out of Dawlish’s reach to make the final score 2-4.
League match vs. Ottery Crickets
It was a slightly worse of wear Dawlish team that faced Ottery Crickets last Saturday following their physical match against Plymouth University the previous evening but none the less a full side keen to record a league victory.
Dawlish controlled the game from the whistle and despite last night’s injury Anne Darby made some great runs down the right wing which Grace Clifford was unfortunate not to convert to open the scoring.
Despite the positive start it was not long before Dawlish seemed to be suffering from playing their second match in 24 hours and were letting the match be played at Crickets pace and style. It was Crickets who eventually scored before half time finally finding a way past Dawlish Keeper Sarah Webster.
Dawlish came out positive again in the second half with Jess Green showing no signs of slowing down as she out ran the Crickets defenders. Fresh legs of Amy and Liz Reed came on to replace injured Nicholson and Young and the pace of the game turned to Dawlish’s advantage. The home side showed strength and control in midfield from Gemma Wilkes and Lizzie Reed and some great movement sent Jess Green on another great run into the Crickets D and passed the keeper to level the scores.
Dawlish were disappointed not to get a second goal with Green coming close again but at the final whistle some tried legs were happy to leave the field with a point.

Close to a Win

2008-11-22T14:51:00.000Z

Once again Dawlish Ladies were traveling away from home with a depleted side fielding only a nine man side for the second week in a row and it was not a positive team that took to the pitch.
But despite the lack of numbers the Dawlish team that made the trip to Exeter to face the young ISCA 4ths team gave 110% from the push back.
Mandy Lovell and Natasha Bailey were solid at the back putting in strong tackles to keep the ISCA out of shooting range. Sarah Webster the Dawlish goalie gave the young ISCA forwards who did get through a battle to open the scoring.
However on the counter attack the ISCA forwards broke the Dawlish back line and ISCA went one nil up.
Lizzie Reed and Lottie Young were strong in central midfield and controlled the game but with only two up front Dawlish fail to capitalise despite Jess Green coming close with a one on one with the keeper and ISCA make it two nil at half time.
Half time and Dawlish are determined that they can come back from two nil down, Dawlish start to control the game with some great runs from the right by Jess green. Dawlish finally get the break they have worked for and a shot from Helen Nicholson finds it way round the keeper to put the scores at two one.
Dawlish continued to put pressure on the ISCA backs with Anne Darby making some great attacking runs and the Dawlish forwards putting the ISCA goalie under constant pressure.
As the final whistle drew close Dawlish just could not get the ball into the back of the ISCA goal despite some shots great shots coming close from Lottie Young and Gemma Wilkes.
The nine man Dawlish side played a with the strength and passion of a full side but were always going to be in trouble playing with two men short. But for the second week in a row they left the pitch so close to a win which it seemed would have been simple had they started with a full team.

Not a confident Dawlish team

2008-11-15T14:47:00.000Z

Due to injury and a number of players being away it was just a nine man Dawlish side which took the trip to Ottery St Mary to face Honiton Hornets II. Despite a positive start to the season and some good training sessions it was not a confident Dawlish team that took to the field.
From the push back it was clear that the Dawlish side were going to have a tough afternoon and have to work 100% to not let the opposition run away with the game. Dawlish were extremely grateful to have experienced back Rose Carpenter in the side with Natasha Bailey giving the Hornets forwards a battle to capitalise on their two man advantage.
Dawlish battled hard but eventually the inevitable happened and Honiton broke through the Dawlish back line and with a lucky deflection opened the scoring. Despite Sarah Webster the Dawlish Keeper and Captain making some impressive diving saves Honiton found a way through the Dawlish defence again before half time to take a two goal lead.
Dawlish did manage to break on the counter attack and Jess Green used her speed and close stick control to make some strong runs down the right and hold up the ball until support arrived. As the half time whistle approached it was Dawlish who were looking more likely to score with Amy Reed and Anne Darby joining the Dawlish strike force. Unfortunately for Dawlish the first half came to an end before they could capitalise on their possession.
It was a long second half for Dawlish’s nine players; Lizzie Reed’s work rate was tireless in the middle of the Dawlish midfield continuing to battle to win back possession and turn the play into a positive attack. Dawlish were starting put pressure on the Hornet’s defence once again but this time it was Honiton who broke on the counter attack and with the two man advantage took the score to three goals clear.
Dawlish were down but not out and within moments of Hornets getting their third Helen Nicholson and Jess Green broke into the Hornet’s half and with some skilful one touch hockey were unlucky not to make the final touch for a deserved goal. Dawlish continued to play positive hockey and Gemma Wilkes was unlucky not to score her first goal for the club after receiving the ball at the keeper’s feet.
It is fair to say that a full Dawlish team would have given the Honiton Hornets a real run for their money as the nine man side that lost three nil this Saturday certainly did not make it easy for them and put in a positive team performance.

A Real Battle of a Match

2008-11-08T14:46:00.000Z

A ten man Dawlish team took the trip down to face Dart in Ivybridge on Saturday expecting tough match.
Dart made a strong start with a clear message that they were in it for a win and nothing less, but Dawlish, although missing some of the spark from last week’s battle against Ashmoor, were not going to let Dart control the game.
Neither side were giving anything away with strong defence and tight play in the midfield. The Dawlish back two of Mandy Lovell and Natasha Bailey fought off the strong runs from the Dart forwards, but Dawlish were missing the extra man and struggling to get out of their own half despite great work from the midfield particularly from Lizzie Reed who battled had all afternoon.
At half time score was still 0-0 but Dawlish Captain Sara Webster was determined that they could get something out of this match.
As Dawlish has expected this was a physical game and shortly into the second half a green card was shown to a Dart player following a second bad tackle, the younger Dawlish forwards were feeling the pressure of such an intense match. Dart finally took control of the game and went one nil up shortly doubling their lead with a second. Dawlish needed to turn it up a gear but were tiring with only 10 men.
The frustration was showing and after giving everything and controlling the midfield Lottie Young received a green card following a controversial umpire decision. But Dawlish found the strength to turn up the gears and get back in the game with some positive attacking play using their pace and skill to take on the Dart defence. Mel Barnes made a great run from the left to the back post, after some strong play from Gemma Wilkes, Barnes put the ball in the Dart goal and Dawlish back in the game with 10 minutes to go.
Dawlish continued to run at the Dart back line, with great pace on the right from Anne Darby and Jess Green, and with a few minutes left on the clock Helen Nicholson took the pass from Young and went through the Dart defence and around the keeper to put the scores level.
After a real battle of a match Dawlish were pleased to pull the game back from 2-0 down to level the scores at full time.

A positive result against top of the league

2008-11-01T13:44:00.000Z

Following their first win of the season last week Dawlish ladies were not expecting to continue the form facing tough opposition in new team Ashmoor. Ashmoor are top of the table, unbeaten this season and have racked up an impressive goal difference almost reaching double figures on a number of occasions. It was therefore not a win that Dawlish Ladies were aiming for on Saturday but to keep the goal average below double figures!
As expected Ashmoor started strongly with positive attacking play from a slick and organised squad. But with a positive attitude still with the Dawlish team from last week’s win they held strong at the back and it was clear that Ashmoor were going to have to work for this victory.
Dawlish’s back two Mandy Lovell and Natasha Bailey took everything that was thrown at them putting in solid tackles to keep the Ashmoor forwards from getting all but a handful of shots on goal despite their control of the game in the Dawlish half. The few shots that did get past the back two were kept out by Dawlish Keeper Sarah Webster with some impressive athletic saves.
Dawlish did have positive breaks forward on the counter attack and forced a short corner 15 minutes into the first half. Lizzie Reed passed the ball to Lottie Young whose hit on goal beat the keeper; the goal was not given as it was deemed Young’s shot was outside the D, however Dawlish proved they were not just there to defend.
As the half time whistle got nearer it became clear that Ashmoor were becoming frustrated with their inability to break the Dawlish defence and open up the scoring, but the half time whistle did come with the scores still at 0-0.
The second half started with Ashmoor even more determined to open up the scoring against Dawlish. Sarah Webster made a great diving stick save but the top of the table side kept the pressure on and with Webster on the floor Ashmoor finally got a goal to take the lead.
Dawlish continued to keep up their impressive work rate with their half’s putting in 110% to keep the Ashmoor forwards from running away with the game. Gemma Wilkes ran all afternoon tracking the Ashmoor forwards on their favoured right wing. Some impressive individual play from the Ashmoor captain led to their second goal, a well taken short corner left a tried Dawlish side three goals down.
But Dawlish were not finished, a strong team performance was sealed after some great work by Amy Reed to win the ball in the Ashmoor half, Anne Darby drove the ball into the D and Jess Green kept her head to give Dawlish a well deserved last minute goal. It was a positive Dawlish team that finished the game with a 3-1 defeat having put in an impressive team effort.

Dawlish Find a Return to Form

2008-10-26T13:08:00.000Z

After a disappointing start to the season, Dawlish Ladies are yet to record a victory despite some strong performances, started against Exe V on Saturday with only ten players and things were not looking like improving. A ten man Dawlish took to the field determined but not optimistic of recording their first win of the season.
It was however clear after a few minutes that despite only having ten players on the field Dawlish were the stronger side and were controlling the game with ease. Before Dawlish could begin to capitalise on their strong start a young Exe player was injured with a ball off her own stick resulting in a large cut on her face. Dawlish Keeper and joint captain Sarah Webster took the stop in play as an opportunity for a quick rally call to the Dawlish team that this game was for the taking.
When play was under way Dawlish took control of the game quickly again, a strong run from Lottie Young into the D and Helen Nicholson ensured that the ball found the back of the goal to open the scoring.
The Dawlish Midfield completely controlled the rest of the first half with Exe unable to get out of their own half. Jess Green was unlucky not to add to the first goal with some great attacking play in the middle. With the pressure continuing on the Exe backs Helen Nicholson was forced to the defense line and shot a ball back into the Exe goal to make it 2-0 at half time.
Dawlish were able to start the second half with a full team when Amy Reed joined the side and added to the Dawlish forward line with an accomplished performance for such a young player. Dawlish continued to dominate the game holding possession well in the midfield and it was not long before Helen Nicholson, who is starting to find her form again after being out all last season with a knee injury, got her third of the day.
Following an injury Jess Green had to leave the pitch leaving Dawlish once again a man down and a loss of concentration allowed Exe a consolation goal. But the game finished with a final goal for Dawlish, having worked hard all afternoon Grace Clifford made a great run into the D to convert Anne Darby’s cross. So it was a happy Dawlish side that left the pitch having hopefully found their form for the season.

A Frustrating Morning for Dawlish Ladies

2008-10-11T14:43:00.000+01:00

A strong Dawlish side took the trip down to sunny Torbay to face an unknown quantity in newly demoted Paignton in their second league game of the season.
Dawlish started well and it quickly became clear that this young Paignton side were lacking experience. Dawlish were camped in the Paignton defensive final quarter for 90 percent of the first half. The Dawlish half line controlled the game feeding the ball back to the Dawlish forwards each time Paignton tried to get the ball out of their back line.
But despite the constant pressure of the Dawlish forwards with some very good position play they were unable to take advantage of all the pressure and convert it into the lead that they deserved. Yvonne Hudson came closest in the first half with a great reverse stick flick that went into the side netting.
Dawlish started the second half in control of the game maintaining position and putting the Paignton defence under constant pressure. But the young Paignton side remained solid at the back and the heat and frustration started to show in the Dawlish side. Completely against the play Paignton broke down the Dawlish defence and a loose ball across Dawlish goal deflected against a defending player wrong footing goalie Sarah Webster and putting the home team ahead.
A shocked Dawlish side once again found their control of the game and with strong runs from the midfield the Dawlish forwards were forcing short corners and constant pressure on the Paignton goal. Jess Green came agonisingly close and it seemed that on any other day she would have easily had a hat trick. Helen Nicholson and Lottie Young were both unable to give Dawlish the score line they deserved despite a number of great chances.
Dawlish continued to pressure right up until the final whistle with great attacking play on the right from Gemma Wilkes and Anne Darby. However the final whistle came and an extremely frustrated Dawlish team were left to question how they were unable to capitalise in a match where they were clearly the better side.

Positive Start to Dawlish Ladies Season

2008-10-04T14:27:00.000+01:00

Dawlish Ladies hockey team’s season started with a local derby last Saturday against Teignmouth II. The local derby is always a strongly fought contest and this match did not disappoint.

Dawlish had to make some tough decisions before the game due to injures and central midfielders Lottie Young and Natasha Bailey started at the back leaving the Dawlish team with a hole to fill in the middle with influential Young filling in at the back.
Dawlish started strongly and the experimental back line kept Teignmouth from making anything from their breaks forward. The one opportunity they did break they Dawlish Keeper Sarah Webster pulled out one of her trade mark diving saves to keep the score even.
Dawlish forwards continued to pressure the Teignmouth defence and not long before the end of the half won a short corner. Yvonne Hudson took the short with a strong pass to Helen Nicholson on the top of the D, who returned the gesture with a hit to Hudson on the far post. Hudson completed the move by tapping the ball into the Teignmouth goal and Dawlish finished the first half a goal up.

The second half had much more of a local derby feel and as the rain continued to pour down the hockey became less attractive and more scraby.
Dawlish were slow off the whistle and minutes into the second half Teignmouth had levelled the scores to 1-1. Teignmouth took advantage of Dawlish drop in concentration and ten minutes into the second half took the lead with a second goal.

Dawlish came back to life in the final quarter showing some great palys through the midfield to feed Jess green and Stevie Hudson forcing a succession of Dawlish short corners. But despite coming close and hitting the posts twice Dawlish failed to level the score as the games stick tackle count continued to rise.
Although disappointed by the score line and some of the decisions in the second half Dawlish can look forward to a positive season on the basis of this game.