COLCHESTER LADIES 4

ST NEOTS 3

East Women's League division one

LIBBY Knifton scored twice as Colchester Ladies got back to winning ways with victory over St Neots at the Garrison.

Colchester lie sixth in East Women's League division one north, following the seven-goal thriller.

Colchester captain Jemma Rix said: "It was a great game and fantastic result. We look forward to playing them again in the New Year."

Both teams started strongly in wet conditions but after a goal-less opening 20 minutes, the deadlock was broken.

After a quick break from Helen Scott and support from Karen Harris and Kate Bagley, a short corner was awarded to Colchester.

A slick routine allowed Knifton to deliver the ball into the bottom left hand corner.

This was quickly followed by a second goal from Kate Bagley, delivered from a well-received deflection.

Liz Pope held the team from the back and the defence led with a very high press, pushing St Neots back into their half of the pitch.

A quick break from St Neots allowed them to reduce the deficit.

But just before half-time, Harris retaliated with a goal following a swift long corner routine.

St Neots attacked after half time but Ellie Benfield, Livvy Jack and Liz Pope held strong in defence, continuing to hold off the visitors' repeated attempts.

Colchester keeper Lucy Stutchfield also made some good saves, before the hosts were awarded a penalty flick following a quick break and a fumbling of players in the circle.

Knifton stepped up to take the flick which she slotted narrowly into the bottom right corner to secure Colchester a 4-1 lead.

Undeterred, St Neots did not waver in their attempts to get back into the game and quickly responded with two further goals.

But it was not enough to prevent Colchester from claiming victory.

Colchester Ladies travel to play Wisbech Town, this weekend.