Magpies Ladies IV 4 - 0 Dereham III

Dereham were the visitors to Weybread this saturday for an early evening push-back, with Magpies fighting for another three points following their deserved victory last weekend against Lowestoft. And although Magpies survival in the Premier Laegue would depend on other teams' results, they were determined to do their part.
To this end, Magpies started well, taking the game to Dereham, with the home side enjoying the majority of possession throughout the first half; their play was attacking, passing the ball sharply through the midfield to the forward line, and pressuring the Dereham back line. When the home side won a short corner, they caught Dereham on the back foot after it had to be re-taken, and the ball fell to midfielder Hannah Booty at the top of the D to shoot past the 'keeper to give Magpies the lead. Dereham were quick on the break, but it was nothing the strong Magpies defence couldn't cope with and they kept their lead going into half time.
Magpies came out for the second half as though it was still nil nil, and couldn't have wished for more when straight from the whistle they got the ball into the D with Sarah Legg doubling the home side's advantage, competently beating the 'keeper from a tight angle. With confidence high Magpies pushed on, and after winning another short corner, Legg doubled her personal tally with an awesome strike from the top of the D. Still Magpies wanted more, Gina Scott and Katherine Ridley at right and left back respectively, both giving tremendous performances with their quality attacking play combined with their strong defensive tackles, and Bella Hall in the middle switching the ball swiftly. Forward Laura Schultheiss added a fourth for the home side near the end to cap a brilliant performance.
Well done to all 14 players today, an impressive display which must be taken into their final match of the season next week against Watton, with their hopes of survival well and truly still alive!



Kay Dennis, Magpies Ladies 4th's.