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Southgate’s Women ended their Indoor campaign on Sunday evening in Telford undefeated just missing out on promotion to Division One.

Coach Andy Richardson saw his team win their first game against a strong Old Georgians side 6-3 before a nail biting 5-5 draw against Leeds. The Sunday games were a test of stamina with 3 games taking places in quick succession. Imi Swann and Charlotte Kelly joined the squad along with Sydney Beare in preparation for the first game against Canterbury which saw captain Ellie Robinson snatch the lead in the first minute before Canterbury equalised in the 5th. The game remained balanced on a knife edge throughout with no goals added to the scoreline- a second succesive draw.

 

The maths became complex thereafter as the Southgate supporters did their best to follow the various permutations. However a late Canterbury last second winner denied Gate a smoother passage and a crazy game of hockey against Birmingham followed which Southgate had to get at least a point from.  A hard fought 3-3 draw saw Birmingham very hard to break down on the offence and very quick to attack on the counter. Southgate were always just behind chasing the game, but some fine work from Freya Matthew, Charlotte Childs, Jess Deniff and Ami Robinson kept Gate in the game and they equalised before pushing hard for the winner as Birmingham pulled their keeper for a nail biting final 3 minutes. The game ended in stalemate.

The final game was against league leaders Landsowne the previous game against OG’s and Canterbury was anther thriller with Southgate needing OG’s to draw or win to keep them in the promotion race. OG’s put up some valiant work on behalf of Southgate but again fell short in an another nail biting contest. Despite battling fatigue the team showed huge spirit and determination not take Landsdowne deep into the game, Louisa Bray managed a series of fine saves and Emma Postings put in a huge shift in defence. Denniff and Childs both scored for Gate, the game ending in yet another draw.

Southgate went undefeated throughout two full weekends of hockey in Canterbury and in Telford and look sure to build on this years campaign as they push for promotion to Division One next year.

Thanks to all who supported and congratulations to the players, coaching and technical teams on a great campaign.