Womens 1s vs Barnes W1

After two back-to-back wins, Magpies confidence and morale was high as they prepared to face Barnes, currently 3^rd in the table, in front of a home crowd. From the outset, Magpies asserted their authority on the pitch, showcasing a disciplined and structured approach that stifled Barnes' attacking threats. Despite Barnes' relentless high press, Magpies remained composed, and managed to outlet the ball nicely through the pressure. The first quarter concluded with both teams deadlocked at 0-0, with Magpies looking like the dominant team.

At the start of the second quarter, Magpies went in pursuit of a goal, probing Barnes' defence in search of an opening. The breakthrough arrived courtesy of a moment of brilliance from Beth Gardens, who’s precise through ball found Emily Hicks in a 1 v 1 situation with the Barnes goalkeeper. Hicks displayed nerves of steel as she calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net and sending Magpies into a well-deserved 1-0 lead. Barnes responded and managed to find themselves in a similar 1 v 1 situation with Magpies keeper George Flatt. However, Flatt produced and outstanding save to keep Magpies in the lead heading into half time.

The second half saw Barnes come out with determination to find their way back into the game. However, Magpies remained resolute in defence, with Anna Cogdell delivering a crucial goal-line save from the only penalty corner of the game. Meanwhile, Lauren Barber and Eva Harness denied Barnes any entries to the circle with a series of robust tackles and intercepts. Into the 4^th quarter and with the clock ticking, Barnes threw everything forward in search of an equaliser. Gardens once again won the ball in the middle of the field and found Hicks high up the pitch, this time with support from Fran Ralston-Bown. Hicks drew the keeper and played it to Ralston-Bown on the back post to make the score 2-0 with 6 minutes to go. The score finished 2-0 to make it the 3^rd win a row for Magpies and sending them to 6^th in the table. Magpies managed the game perfectly and with their discipline and composure in front of goal, put on a performance that proves our worthiness of staying in this league. Magpies travel to Holcombe next week, who are currently second in the table, and are looking to get another 3 points on the road.