Harsh lesson delivered

Slim hopes of some Nottingham University 1sts' players not playing due to the Christmas break were dashed when a full squad of enthusiastic students arrived at the Magnus and returned to Nottingham with a 5-0 triumph over Newark Ladies' 2nds.

Newark knew they would be in for a hard battle against a team who have won all their matches of the season so far.

Almost straight from the whistle, the visitors showed their skill. Newark’s defence was called upon to fight valiantly and the players rose to the challenge.

The students finally slammed home an opening goal after a series of outstanding saves from returning keeper Molly Usborne.

A second followed ten minutes later after a barrage of attempts had been thwarted.

The visiting side were awarded a short-corner on the stroke of half-time and all their players descended on to the Newark D.

The first shot was saved, as were several other attempts, before the ball ricocheted off a Newark stick and headed at an awkward height towards goal, evading Usborne’s efforts.

The second-half continued in the same vein. The university team attacked while Newark defended and never looked close to scoring.

A fourth goal came from another short corner, which was well taken, and the victory was completed with a fifth just before the end.

Newark Ladies’ 3rds 3

Arnold Ladies 0

Newark Ladies 3rds were revved up for their last game of the season to take on league strugglers Arnold, only for their opponents to have to forfeit the game without a keeper.

When a team forfeits a game, the opponents are automatically awarded a 3-0 win.

Instead, the teams agreed to play a friendly match, which enabled Newark to experiment with new young players in different roles.