Oldham travelled South to play New Cambell in Dagenham, in what was expected to be a very competitive encounter against a strong and well organised team. With three regular players away at England U21 Camp, Oldham knew they would have to be focussed to get a result from this fixture.
It was a slow start for Oldham, with Cambell starting the brighter. An early hand injury to Krista Enziano caused some disruption but she soon returned to court and Oldham found their rhythm. The defensive duo of Kerry Almond and Emma Dovey were rock solid and were supported well by Taylor Cullen, who worked tirelessly to turn over ball. Maria McAndrew and Amelia Hall were too fast for the Cambell centre court and clever moves between Kathryn Turner and Enziano resulted in Oldham winning the quarter 18-11.
It was a slow start for Oldham, with Cambell starting the brighter. An early hand injury to Krista Enziano caused some disruption but she soon returned to court and Oldham found their rhythm. The defensive duo of Kerry Almond and Emma Dovey were rock solid and were supported well by Taylor Cullen, who worked tirelessly to turn over ball. Maria McAndrew and Amelia Hall were too fast for the Cambell centre court and clever moves between Kathryn Turner and Enziano resulted in Oldham winning the quarter 18-11.
The second quarter continued in the same vein, with Oldham dominating in all areas of the court. Patient play and excellent shooting from both Enziano and Turner saw the visitors with a half time score of 36-20.
Cambell were shell shocked and came out strong in the third quarter, stemming Oldham’s flow. During a brief time out for Turner (blood), Abby Tyrrell entered the court at wing defence and Coach, Debbie Hallas, reshuffled the centre court. The changes had an impact and Oldham slipped through the gears going on a seven goal run, without reply, to end the quarter leading 50-33.
In the final quarter Susie Armstrong, who had replaced Almond at goal keeper, was working well to contain the experienced Cambell goal shooter, but Oldham were feeling the pressure and some tired, wayward passes enabled the home team to string together a run of unanswered goals. Lucy Stevenson replaced Enziano for the last five minutes and played extremely well against Cambell’s international goal keeper. Cambell won the final quarter 19-10 but it was too little too late.
Oldham had worked tirelessly as a team. The defence were immense, the centre court left Cambell chasing shadows with their speed and creativity and the shooters were clinical. Overall they proved just too much for the home team and came away happy with another precious five points, keeping them top of the league table.
Coach Debbie Hallas commented: “Today was a coach’s dream for most of it, they did exactly what I asked for in the team talk. We dictated the game for three quarters, we tired toward the end but the game was gone. The defence of Almond and Dovey was almost impenetrable, Taylor continued her fantastic form and did really well when moved up to the less familiar centre position. McAndrew played an experienced role in her middle supporting Hall who had a great full debut for our Premier League squad. In the shooting circle Turner and Enziano were unstoppable, their shooting stats were a credit to them and their understanding left the Cambell defenders looking shell-shocked throughout the game.”
Player of the Match: Taylor Cullen
Starting 7: GS Enziano, GA Turner, WA Hall, C McAndrew, WD Cullen, GD Dovey, GK Almond Subs: S Armstrong, L Stevenson, A Tyrrell
Cambell were shell shocked and came out strong in the third quarter, stemming Oldham’s flow. During a brief time out for Turner (blood), Abby Tyrrell entered the court at wing defence and Coach, Debbie Hallas, reshuffled the centre court. The changes had an impact and Oldham slipped through the gears going on a seven goal run, without reply, to end the quarter leading 50-33.
In the final quarter Susie Armstrong, who had replaced Almond at goal keeper, was working well to contain the experienced Cambell goal shooter, but Oldham were feeling the pressure and some tired, wayward passes enabled the home team to string together a run of unanswered goals. Lucy Stevenson replaced Enziano for the last five minutes and played extremely well against Cambell’s international goal keeper. Cambell won the final quarter 19-10 but it was too little too late.
Oldham had worked tirelessly as a team. The defence were immense, the centre court left Cambell chasing shadows with their speed and creativity and the shooters were clinical. Overall they proved just too much for the home team and came away happy with another precious five points, keeping them top of the league table.
Coach Debbie Hallas commented: “Today was a coach’s dream for most of it, they did exactly what I asked for in the team talk. We dictated the game for three quarters, we tired toward the end but the game was gone. The defence of Almond and Dovey was almost impenetrable, Taylor continued her fantastic form and did really well when moved up to the less familiar centre position. McAndrew played an experienced role in her middle supporting Hall who had a great full debut for our Premier League squad. In the shooting circle Turner and Enziano were unstoppable, their shooting stats were a credit to them and their understanding left the Cambell defenders looking shell-shocked throughout the game.”
Player of the Match: Taylor Cullen
Starting 7: GS Enziano, GA Turner, WA Hall, C McAndrew, WD Cullen, GD Dovey, GK Almond Subs: S Armstrong, L Stevenson, A Tyrrell