Devon Plate

Torbay seconds 0,

Kingsbridge and Salcombe seconds 2

Kingsbridge and Salcombe twos travelled to Torquay on Sunday to take on Saturday League opponents Torbay.

The Cougars knew this would be a tough game against a higher-league team who haven’t lost at home this season.

The Cougars started brightly and immediately put the Torbay defence under pressure, with halves Sarah Budgen and captain Laura Favis making inroads down the flanks and forwards Heather Mockridge and Violet Moore able to move freely behind the defence to get into great space.

At times the Cougars made it a little difficult for themselves and ‘keeper Erin Murgatroyd had to make some vital saves to keep it at 0-0.

This match was looking like no one was going to give in which made for a great game to watch.

Everyone was giving their all. Great defending by Katie Merrin meant that the Torquay side struggled to get past her and Anna McCabe played a great game as the back sweeper, taking her time to make the right pass out from the back. LJ Ahearn is growing more confident with each game and being one of the youngest players for the squad is proving to be a real asset to the team.

As the first half was coming to an end there was no break in the score line despite both sides trying hard.

Coaches Chris and Claire Guard spoke to the team at half time and told them to keep at it; the only thing they needed to work on was to get much closer to each other so that smaller passes could be made, which would make it easier for them to move the ball round and retain possession.

The second half started with great tempo from the travelling side and they had listened to the coaches, making sure they were closer which meant they held possession a lot longer.

The Cougars had some really close chances at scoring and gained several long corners; you could feel that a goal was coming.

Vice-captain Lauren Darbyshire held the middle very well and distributed the ball with confidence to her midfield team mates, linking well with Cara Yeoman who played one her best games so far this season. Nicky Sheppard slotted in with ease in the defence, showing composure under pressure.

As time was ticking Laura Tregelles ran the line with the ball and put some great balls into the D which came very close to breaking the deadlock, but it was an assist from Mockridge that allowed Sarah Budgen to slot past the Torbay ‘keeper and give KS the vital lead.

The Cougars needed to stay focused and calm when the pressure came their way.

Good work rate from Lottie Sutherland helped and four minutes later a great team goal came. Derbyshire broke down an attack and threaded the ball through to Yeoman, who passed it on to forward Moore. She came up one-on-one with the ‘keeper and though her initial shot was saved, Mockridge took the rebound to increase the lead to 2-0.

Shortly after Charlotte Budgen (after playing some great hockey throughout) had to be taken off after receiving a ball to the head and took no further part in the game as a precaution.

Torbay still kept going and forced Murgatroyd to pull off some tight saves, but it was a great relief when the final whistle went.

Player of the match was decided by the team and went to Cara Yeoman and Erin Murgatroyd for the great performances through out the match. The club wishes to say thank you to all the supporters who travelled to cheer the Cougars on. They now have a week off before returning to league action.

Meanwhile, the Cougars’ first team lost out heavily to Exe seconds, going down 7-1 away from home.

Player of the match was voted for at teas and was awarded to debut player Charley Adams and Helen Symons.

This Saturday sees the Cougars face Shepton Mallet at KCC push back is 11am.

More than ever the club needs your support so please come along and be the extra player.