Heartbreak for Cardea Ladies

Cardea suffer late heartbreak in the cup.

There had already been plenty of late drama for the Cardea men's first team management duo of Dan Gibbs and Matt Robinson after the men came back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 in the last 5 minutes and there was more to come today. Unfortunately, this time it went against Cardea and led to a 2-1 cup defeat at the hands of league champions elect Ketton.

Cardea had the better of the first half and started the game strongly. New signing Emma Porsz making her debut in the midfield and seeing a shot well saved by the Ketton keeper after some good build up play.

Captain Laura Rudd then made the most of confusion between the Ketton centre back pairing (their only mistake of the game) to shoot just wide of the goal with a fierce effort.

More excellent build up play from Emma Porsz and Laura Rudd saw another effort from Rudd go close, this time the Ketton keeper making a good stop.

It was then time for the traditional Cardea Ladies hand ball moment which has now been seen in every game this season. This week the moment went to Laura Church who decided that catching the ball was easier than chasing it. The Ketton free kick from 35 yards was whipped into a dangerous area but well gathered by keeper Carlie Rudd.

That was really the first time that Ketton had been in the Cardea half without being offside and linesman Matt Robinson received a huge amount of abuse for the Ketton players inability to time their runs. Keeper Carlie Rudd collecting a number of long balls forward and returning to sender at every opportunity.

One big kick from Rudd saw the impressive Emma run through and force a great save from the Ketton shot stopper who turned the ball round the post and out for a corner.

Ketton did manage to squander the best chance of the game, the striker finally timing a run right, rounding Carlie only to see her shot from the edge rebound off the bar.

HT 0-0

The second half saw a much improved Ketton display and it was Cardeas turn to struggle to get out of their half. Only an excellent defensive display stopping Ketton from taking the lead as they piled on the pressure.

The midfield of Ketton now began to completely control the game and dominate possession and in an attempt to change this, Cardea made 3 changes, Tessa Morrison, Naomi Hall and Gina Stephenson all coming on from the bench.

Completely against the run of play, it was substitute Naomi Hall with the opener, her corner going straight in at the back post despite the attempts of the Ketton player on the line. 1-0 Cardea.

With 20 minutes to go, Cardea were now working their socks off to keep Ketton at bay and nobody worked harder than the superb Laura Church who had taken the decision upon herself to mark the pacey and threatening Ketton striker.

As Ketton attempted to attack the box, the ball rebounded off a Cardea defender and out for a corner, the excellent Ketton CB rising above everyone to thunder a header in off the underside of the bar. 1-1 (85).

Ketton were now after the win and were taking every opportunity to pepper the Cardea goal but Cardea were managing to hold on until the 90th minute when, with the game nearing the end, and as the referee put his whistle to his mouth, they won another corner and again, one of their players rose above everyone to head home and break Cardea hearts. 1-2.

The kick off saw the full time whistle come.

After the game, manager Dan Gibbs said "Fantastic effort from the ladies today! We controlled the game and played some of the best football I've ever seen us play! The better team lost today, and everyone involved with this club can hold their heads up high! Well done to everyone!"

WOTM was awarded to Laura Church. It could have easily gone to a number of other players who were very impressive but Laura, who marked the Ketton top scorer all game and kept her as quiet as possible, just edged it. She also had time to show us her goalkeeping skills. Well done Churchy!

Cardea Ladies return to action in January and would like to wish everyone associated with the club a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Written by Matthew Robinson.