HOCKEY
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SOUTHS continue to roll towards the semi-finals in women's Premier League Hockey after their second straight shut-out of an Orange team, beating Kinross-CYMS 2-0 on Saturday.
Playing away from home against a rival who have been competitive with virtually everyone this season, it loomed as a danger game for Damien Carter's side, especially with five regulars out of the line-up.
However, two goals in quick time midway through the first half got rid of Souths' nerves and they were able to hold the hosts out with relative ease in the second stanza to secure the win.
It was their defensive effort that Carter was most pleased with.
"We only allowed them one short corner in the whole game and they actually had a pretty good side on the park," he said.
"They've been a bit like St Pat's and haven't put all their players together at the same time very often. To go over and get the four points was a good effort.
"The girls were pretty excited afterwards, they aren't too worried about where we finish now because fourth spot gets us a home final and we're confident we can go on from there."
After an even start, Souths broke the deadlock in the 20th minute thanks to Jess Watterson, who added a typically clinical finish after getting past the last defender.
Seven minutes later thanks to some nice lead-up work from Emma Siejka, Ali Stanford converted from a 45 degree angle to double her team's advantage. That would prove to be the end of the scoring.
The second half saw Souths spend plenty of time on the attack and they forced a handful of good saves from the Kinross-CYMS goalkeeper, while at the other end two blues custodian Kate Brown had to make some of her own.
Souths' goal was not breached and they have now played 140 minutes of hockey without conceding.
"We had five corners for the match and their goalie did save a couple of good shots from us," Carter said.
"Cait Hadley at fullback was outstanding for us, her and Steph Plunkett both did a great job in defence. Amelia Burke was another one at right half who was fantastic, she was player of the match according to the umpires.
"I think the turf over there, which is quite bouncy, probably cost us one or two more goals. The girls had a bit of trouble getting their timing right and had some balls bounce over the stick.
"It wasn't a flamboyant performance, but to keep them scoreless and only letting them have one short corner for the match was very pleasing and we'll take on Ex-Services next week with a lot of confidence."
SOUTHS 2 (Jess Watterson, Ali Stanford) defeated KINROSS-CYMS 0