Premier division 2B

KS Cougars 1,

Blandford and Sturminster Newton 3

Taking on second place Blandford and Stur­minster Newton the Cougars suffered another close defeat in this year’s Premier 2B.

Blandford started strongly as they at­tacked at pace, calling ‘keeper Claire Jones into action early on to make several quick saves.

Rachel Roberts and Gemma Harvey had their work cut out at the back to counter some good distribution around the KS 25 as the visitors looked dangerous in the early stages.

With the Cougars playing in their own half under the Bland­ford press, the KS outletting suffered for a time as it was driven primarily down the middle, leading to a high turnover of possession through a strong central set-up from the visitors. Build up play around the Blandford 25 was good, with two Kerly crosses splitting the defence.

Mel Showler coming close with a great effort from mid D and captain Chloe Harvey winding her way through the defence only to see her shot well saved.

As the first half drew to a close Blandford struck from a passage of good build-up play to take a slim lead into half time.

Looking to focus on a wider distribution to use the space around the wings and generate a more aggressive close in the tackle KS started the second half well, bringing the match on to a more evenly contested level as play moved from end to end.

Several good up­grades saw Laura Kerly and Helen Symons both come close from short corner attempts as KS looked to fight their way back into the game.

Better distribution was allowing Fi Wadey time on the left to find Gemma Samuel in space on the wing, with Nat Elliott bringing pace to the right side.

Fern Tucker dived on for a great spell as she nutmegged her marker with her first touch and Lucy Croft delivered great cover across the formation as she work­ed through the rotations.

Turning over a Blandford attack through the centre Lou Read changed the angle and released Kerly wide on the right.

Breaking from width on the halfway line to outpace her marker Kerly blitzed into the open space to close on the ‘keeper and fire into the roof of the net on the narrowest of angles to bring the Cougars back into the match at 1-1.

A nice short corner slip and deflection routine put Blandford back in front five minutes later as they increased their work rate on the break against a disjointed KS.

A loose press and quiet spell in communication saw the Cougars put under pressure again as passing op­tions became limited with Blandford stepping in towards the ball early to close angles.

As the Cougars look­ed to break through the ring a close range goal in the closing stages increased the visitors lead.

Helen Symons fired things up with a gritty 110 per cent final spell that took the wind out of the Blandford sails and picked up a green card for ‘that’ tackle in the dying seconds.

The whistle blew on a tough 3-1 loss for KS, but a 2-1 scoreline to the visitors would have been a fairer reflection of both teams efforts.

After the match the Cougars grabbed a team photo with new Match Tea sponsors Sue and David from the Church House Inn, Churchstow, before tucking into another round of sumptuous food which was de­voured by both teams.

Teas at the pub saw a close race for the Cougars’ woman of the match, which was eventually tied between Lou and Emily Read for two great performances across the midfield.

The Cougars would like to say a very special mention to Sally Hurst who held a ‘Choose and Wine Party’ last week on behalf of the club, so thank you Sally and everyone who took part.

KS travel to Exeter this weekend to take on Isca thirds in their first away game of the season.