Goalscorers:  Kate McKenna, Donna Vaughan, Gail Thomas, Jess Bennett, Hannah Hardy x2, Stella Windsor Waite
MOM:  Stella Windsor Waite

Whilst chilly, the pitch at Felixstowe was perfectly playable. Dragons arrived in good time and huddled in the warmth of the changing room, welcoming Katie Taubman back into the team, also Rowie York-Smith, who had very kindly agreed to help out. The final welcome was to Stella Windsor-Waite, who was making her well deserved 2nd Team debut.

The early pressure was all with Dragons, dominating the ball in Felixstowe half, but just not able to make any clear cut chances, as Felixstowe had every player behind the ball and packed the D, plus they had a goalkeeper who was once again on very fine form. Sam Franklin was attacking and hassling well down the right, whilst Stella Windsor-Waite and Rowie York-Smith were combining down the right, but Dragons struggled to convert this pressure into early goals, which maybe caused them to get slightly anxious, which reflected in their decision making.

Eventually the 1st goal came in the 21st minute, with Gail Thomas finding Hannah Hardy who turned and slotted under the keeper; this served to relax the visitors, who started to use the space better, move the ball more patiently and open up opportunities. The second came from Gail Thomas who held her central position well, and when the ball broke at the top of the D, her shout was heard by all, and she fired home a ball, taking a deflection and looping over the GK. The next a fine individual run and strike by Donna Vaughan who again attacked from deep, gliding past defenders and crashing the ball home. A fourth before halftime, was converted by Hannah Hardy, following a good pass from Jess Bennett.

The break gave the team a reminder that patience was key, Felixstowe to their credit hassled and harried for every ball and with the whole team sitting deep, were never going to be easy to break down. Katie Taubman moved into central midfield and started to exert pressure. Sarah Borrett was becoming more and more involved in the attacking phases of the game, moving through the midfield at pace, and playing some excellent balls into the D.

The 5th goal came following good work down the left from Rowie York-Smith who again combined well with Dragons Player of the Match debutant Stella Windsor-Waite, who forced her way through into the D. Her attempted cross was initially broken down and the ball fell back to Windsor-Waite, who saw the opportunity to smash the ball in at the near post! Another came from a free hit which was intercepted by Hardy, who squared to Jess Bennett, who forced the ball past the keeper. The 7th and possibly the best of the game, came following great work on the right by Sam Franklin; she weaved her way through defenders and passed an excellent early ball back to the P spot where Kate McKenna was at hand to dispatch with a smartly taken sweep shot which crashed into the goal!

Special mention goes to Issy Mumbray in goal for Dragons, who despite having little to do in the freezing conditions, kept her concentration well and on a couple of occasions, when Felixstowe broke, smothered the ball well and made vital saves when needed. Final credit goes to Felixstowe, who despite a challenging season, battled extremely hard for every ball and deserve every credit for keeping going – they are a talented and determined group and will come back stronger next season.

A tense atmosphere at the den with the first frost of the season casting confusion and doubt all over. NDHC Ladies 5s waiting anxiously for news – should I leave now? What’s the pitch like? Will we get a game today? Calm deliberation and communication from cool as a cucumber captain Hannah Edwards, led to a satisfying outcome; play to start half an hour later on a fully-thawed pitch. A quick warm up (much needed) and team talk and then onto the pitch for push back.

Dragons made a confident start with an early short – unable to convert but a solid strike from Sue Cross. A high-tempo Watton responded straight away but their efforts were well defended by Dragons. End to end hockey ensued for a while, great hit outs by Jen Buskell and Steph Samson meant we were well placed for high strikers to pick up in space, leading to a couple of good chances.

Central play from Gill Walker distributed the ball to the wings – a welcome change from a congested middle.  Play eventually made its way to Amy Forse delivering to a sweeping Gemma Ballard. GOAL DRAGONS. 1-0.

A confident Dragons held off the ensuing Watton response, with Katherine Hardwick channeling on the wings and pressuring Watton’s attack into error.

Further hits from Anita Mancini into forward space created opportunity and kept the threat high. Watton switched to a wider formation, using quick runs down the wings to carry the ball forwards, leading to a Watton short at 21 minutes. A tenacious Dragons defence and strong decision making from Mia Somers in goal kept a tidy scoresheet. Watton still kept pressure high though with a near goal, obstructed by a Watton stick tackle. Dragons defence remained strong with Steph Samson’s solid tackles in.

Another short from Watton at 33 minutes – sorted with a no nonsense kick-out by Mia Somers. Width created by Charlotte Dowson and some very good work around the back by defence meant the dying minutes of the second half were all Dragons. 1-0 half time.

A calm start with even play during the beginning of the second half with Watton making a couple of dangerous runs up the wings. At 15 minutes, Watton had a chance at goal but couldn’t convert -another shortly after. However, Dragons pulled together with some excellent interceptions from Hannah Edwards; pressurising Watton and gaining control. Some nice passing play from dragons carried the ball into the D at pace – a hit from Gill Walker and deflection off a Watton player resulted in Goal number 2 for dragons. 2-0.

The second goal gave dragons a real grip on the game, great running from Hannah Edwards led to a well-placed cross picked up by Beth Elgood. Excellent work around the D. A well paced ball into the D from Beth Elgood reached Sue Cross, who made a great pass to Hannah Edwards’ call and well-timed run. Another hit at goal from Sue Cross at 26 minutes fell just wide of goal. Lots of excellent hockey but no third goal yet.

A series of quick, strong passes through the wing to the middle from Watton meant dragons couldn’t quite relax – resulting in a goal at 29 minutes. 2-1.

An unperturbed dragons quickly turned the ball over and the next 5 were dominated by dragons; culminating in a penalty flick. A super cool Amy Forse took on the challenge, 3-1 dragons.

Watton’s response a shot at goal was firmly denied by Mia Somers – again Dragons’ turnover leading to great attacking play – a strike from a rebound from quick-thinking Mel Widdows landed Dragon’s victory with seconds to spare. 4-1 Dragons.

A pleasing result for a Dragon’s 5 team who have won their last 5 games. May the winning streak long continue!

Thanks goes to the supporting crew who braved the chill factor on the sideline. Hope you all managed to thaw out quickly!

MOM:  Nola Mitchell