The first league match in a lower position was against newly promoted Donsater 3’s at a unfriendly time of 10am start at Doncaster!

Driffield were in control from the start and continued up until half time in the same vein, but all to no avail as a goal just would not fall for them.

In the second half and a few positional moves due to subbing Driffield began to struggle to find each other and found themselves mainly camped in the Doncaster attacking half.  Brilliant defending from Driffield especially Ashley Gate, as sweeper for the first time, meant Driffield earned a blank final score.

This was definiately felt like a draw that should have been a win and hopefully in February in will be.

Girlie: Ashley Gate
Donkey: Henri Bristowe – He’s behind you!

This friendly fixture was arranged back in January with the request for Driffield 1st XI so the 2nd team were expecting a hard ‘friendly’ fixture against very young and fit legs.

However ..........................  Driffield Ladies 2’s were in fine form from the start, they soon picked up from last season on their techniques and passing ability and found themselves 1-0 to the good from a Zoe Harrison sneaky finish.

The defence looked like they had been practising together all summer and knew exactly how to take command of their area.  Newly promoted youngster Poppy Burgess showed why she was in this position and excelled in her ability and determination to win every ball.

Ampleforth did squeeze an equaliser at the near post but Zoe soon doubled her tally at the other end and with it Driffield’s confidence grew, Zoe stole her hattrick helped abley up front by Debbie Nelson – a superb partnership is emerging.  At half time Driffield were 4-1 up after a thumping goal by Debbie Nelson.

In the second half Driffield decided to hold court and learn how their new formation was to take shape, the ‘triangle’ of players (including Vicky Stabler on her comeback) concentrated on keeping their distances and supporting each other all over the pitch which enabled the outside players to attack with flair and despite not adding to the score, many lessons were learnt and next weeks game at Leeds Adel at 4:30pm with the same formation should be a lot more solid and improving.

This friendly fixture was played on Thirsk’s newly relaid pitch and Driffield soon found it was to their liking.  The match started brightly with Driffield attacking down the left between Katie Saltanstall and Poppy Burgess interacting well.

It took a while for the Driffield forwards to find where the goal was but eventually Debbie Nelson connected with a through ball from Ashley Gate.  Debbie’s second came soon after with silky skills down the right side of the pitch from Charlotte Smith and Vicky Stabler.

Half time and Driffield were smiling knowing they were playing some excellent passing hockey, finding stick after stick with ease.  The second half started more attacking and wave after wave of Driffield kept peppering the Thirsk goal.  

Driffield’s 3rd came from the back with Elke Raftery threading a needlepoint ball up to Henri Bristowe who turned on a sixpence to slot the ball to Jenny Dawson on the post.

Becks in the Driffield goal was not troubled for the most part but was needed for a superb save near post to keep her clean sheet.

Debbie got her hatrick plus one to finish the game on a high, especially as this team beat Driffield 8-1 last year.  This season is looking promising girls!

Girlie: Debbie Nelson
Donkey: Zoe Harrison – Torres mark two!