Ladies 4s - Points mean Prizes

Following a week off and being on the wrong end of a hiding from the L3s the previous week, the L4s were keen to take to the astro and reassert themselves as newly promoted nuisances in East District 2. Unfortunately an away clash with top of the table Borders 3s lay in store, a formidable force who had racked up 4-0, 4-0, 3-0 wins so far this season. So that's no goals conceded against them. Great.

The L4's knew this would be a tough shift, least of all our captain Becca, all 4 ft 5" of her. No keeper meant Becca stepped up to step into the pads. What a sight. Leg pads up to her arm pits. A true legend of the modern game.

Missing one of our star strikers Liv due to organ removal saw some jiggery pokery amongst the strike force upfront. Get well soon Liv.

From the whistle it was clear that Borders meant business, quickly earning a short corner. Our Borrower in goal did a sterling job to block the straight strike but unfortunately the rebound was picked up and lobbed over her shoulder. Most likely at about thigh height to a normal sized keeper. 1-0.

Another Border's attack resulted in a similar fate. 2-0. Half time.

The second half saw L4's settle into their game and play some classy hockey . The defensive unit worked tirelessly as always to shut down any chances. Clinical tackling from Ellie and Lyns supported by Tammy and Anna pressing high on the wings frustrated the opposition.

Didsbury's finest Suzanne and Jenny linked up brilliantly to command the play in the centre of the pitch. Supported by Katie G, Sophie and Catie working their socks off on the wings. Holly, Jodie and Aoife were busy hustling up front, giving the Borders' defence little time to think.

Utility players Carly and Julia were spotted in various positions on the pitch giving it 110% as always. In a flurry up front Julia found herself in space. When 'Julia's' gets the ball you know where its going - back of the net. 2-1.

Well, after this goal the L4's went from Asda smart price to Sainsbury's Taste the Difference in a matter of seconds. The ball was being caressed from side to side, picked up and distributed into space, a true sight to behold. The Ladies in maroon were like hounds on a hunt - the scent of a second goal was strong.

At this point the charge was momentarily interrupted when Jodie intercepted a 16 hit out with her knee cap. Arguably the worst injury seen since Eduardo's fateful leg break of 2008. Remember that? Spectators described the pirouette that followed as akin to 'the dance of the dying swan'. Luckily her comrades rushed to Jodie's side. Did they hell. The ever-selfless former captain knew she needed to remove herself and her limb asap to allow the L4's to continue in this period of dominance. Not wanting to draw attention to herself, Jodie opted for a 'bum shuffle' off the side. Described by one player interviewed by Sky Sports as 'like a dog with worms'.

After the restart the L4's were on the ascent maintaining possession and worrying Border's all over the pitch. A fantastic early release from Suzanne saw Jenny pick up the ball with acres of space. A flirtation with the base line followed and Jenny wound up for a shot on goal. What a tease. The keeper made a fine save with her left pad but unfortunately right into the path of Julia's. Cool as you like Julia tripped the light fantastic and we all know where the ball was going - back of the net. 2-2.

The L4's dugout (really nice wooden ones at Tweedbank) erupted as the end was nigh. A late Border's attack to secure 3 points saw Becca dance a waltz with one of their attackers. With the ball behind her and an attacker adopting a fireman's lift position over her it is a true miracle that the ball was kept out. Thankfully Ellie was on hand to make sure that was certainly not happening. Inspirational work from the defensive midfield ensued with Carly and Suzanne putting in some stunning tackles to release Holly et all to charge forward.

The final whistle goes and the L4's are delighted. A point away from home against the league title favourites is no mean feat. Each and every player was outstanding on the field today, a spirited team performance.

MoM - Ellie Hird
DoD - Jodie 'Jayne Torvill' Dunz