The hard work put in over the last few weeks finally started to pay off for Isca Dragons 3rd team as they beat Taunton Civil Service 4-1. It was a fast and physical game but the Dragons were deserved winners and played some excellent hockey.
Isca opened up an early lead after some good play down the right led to a good pull back from Libby Skinner which Lena Dashwood was on hand to tip over the line after slightly chaotic scenes in the circle. Lena scored again after the team put the visitors under heavy pressure and another close range finish made it 2-0.
The key feature of Isca Dragons’ success today was the pressure put on Taunton in every area of the pitch. They weren't allowed time on the ball and fouls and errors soon mounted up. Nicky King was unlucky not to score when she ran onto a free hit and her strike from the top of the circle was deflected over the bar when heading for the top corner.
Ruth Weeks made it 3-0 with an excellent snatch strike which left the goalie with no chance and she made it 4-0 shortly afterwards. Taunton CS were slightly shell-shocked by the start to the game, finding themselves four down despite testing the Isca defence at regular intervals. Just before half time they pulled one back after their striker was first to the rebound following a good save from Alex Spencer.
The second half continued at frantic pace and it was surprising that there were no more goals but the Isca defence stood firm, keeping the visitors out and restricting them to a few hopeful shots which were comfortably saved by Alex Spencer. Tammi Vukusic and Flo Stewart were particularly solid at the back. On the attack Isca Dragons always looked dangerous, Tessa Dibble creating a number of chances down the left, but the Dragons were unable to convert the resulting penalty corners.
It was an excellent team performance with everyone giving 100% and playing for each other. Next week, at home to the team top of the league, will be a tougher prospect but Isca can take heart from this performance and hopefully build some momentum and distance between themselves and the bottom of the league.
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