Evergreens 2, Beccles 0

HOCKEY: Evergreens expected a hard-fought battle after struggling to earn a 2-2 draw in the reverse fixture.

However, Evergreens were dominant from the start. Some efficient passing, working the ball right through the team, helped create numerous chances, but they could not find a way past the solid Beccles goalkeeper.

Beccles createed a few chances but a superbly-organised Evergreens defence kept them at bay. The teams somehow went into half-time with the score 0-0.

In the second half, Evergreens kept up the pressure and were rewarded with a series of short corners. The rehearsals in training soon paid off when Vic Mansfield scored with a fierce strike from the edge of the circle.

Evergreens lost momentum for 10 minutes when Naomi Holl went off injured after being hit in the face by the ball.

Shortly after reshuffling the team, captain Abi White was hit in the body by two successive shots and Jess Shand was shown a yellow card for showing dissent to the umpire.

Evergreens were in disarray but some last-ditch defending from Regina Phalange on her debut protected their lead until the missing players were able to return to the action.

Naomi and Abi showed real commitment by battling on until the final whistle with their injuries.

Evergreens’ hard work and determination paid off when they won another short corner and Hannah Mitchell was found on the post to sweep the ball home for her first goal of the season, and to seal a 2-0 victory.

PoM: Wrighty.

This was a competent and intelligent team performance by Evergreens.

Evergreens 1, Dereham 1

This was a fiercely-contested local derby, even though league position was not at stake.

Both teams battled hard to create several chances. Vic Mansfield, Harriet Segasby and Katie Taylor combined well in the Evergreens attack but were unfortunate not to convert.

Sarah Pruden, Sam Turner and Abi White were strong in defence until Abi was knocked out and Dereham took advantage with the extra player. Evergreens had to reshuffle following the injury.

Louise White, who had an outstanding game, made some great interceptions to break down Dereham attacks, which helped see out the first half.

Evergreens regrouped and came out more determined in the second half.

Their immediate pressure earned several short corners which paid off when Wrightys’ initial strike rebounded off the keeper’s pads and Jess Shand followed up to fire the ball home.

Evergreens took control of the midfield with some clinical passing between Naomi Holl, Hannah Mitchell, Louise White and Wrighty.

Jess thought she had scored a second goal but it was disallowed, deemed to have been struck from outside the circle.

Dereham rallied with several short corners but keeper Su Hoogendyk made some incredible saves.

Evergreens dug deep and battled hard to earn a share of the points. A draw was a fair result.

PoM: Louise White.