What's the 5 yard Rule?

Saturday dawned bright and sunny in Stevenage as the Luton Ladies 2s won the coin toss and started the game against Stevenage for the 2nd time in as many weeks. Luton dominated the game early with plenty of scoring chances from Taz Ferdouse, Emma Halsey and Ronnie Dagnall with Helen Beattie and Leah O Shaughnessy getting shots in too. After a few missed chances, Olivia Sturrock finally found the backboard. At half time Luton 1, Stevenage 0. Rapid runs were made for suncream to prevent the emergence of the dreaded boiled lobster look and reapplications of chub rub were quickly administered. The second half brought more wind to Stevenage's sails as they upped their gameplay and the ball was lingering frequently in Luton's 23. A short corner was awarded to Stevenage but a combined effort from the defence saw it out as well as Sharna Gough doing some excellent goalkeeping.

Unfortunately a few minutes later, a well placed shot glanced off Julie Halsey's stick and sailed over Sharna's stick to concede a goal
to Stevenage (Editors note...it was a good goal though, just at the wrong end). However, the ladies were not to be down for long as Ellie Ludlow found the goal for the first time. Siobhan Barden ran into a spot of bother with the 5 yard rule and was sent off by umpire Dean Pierce after 3 offences. One wonders whether he realised at the time that he would later be carpooling with Siobhan and she has a large car with a spacious boot... 2 short corners awarded to Luton were well saved by Stevenage but a rebound saw the net for a third time. Again, excellent work by Tasnien Ferdous. Luton, not content to be winning by 2 goals, went for goal again just before the final whistle and Leah O’Shaughnessy rocketed the ball against the boards. A fine 4-1 win in the sunshine for Luton Ladies 2s.
Player of the Match to Emma Halsey
Mare of the match to Siobhan Barden