HARWICH and Dovercourt Hockey Club skipper Sophie Southgate says her young side have exceeded expectations this season.

And she believes they can cement second spot in the Suffolk Women’s League premier division – especially after defeating table-toppers Ipswich on Saturday.

The Low Road side produced their best hockey of the season to run out 4-2 winners.

They stay third in the table but in with a chance of going second, if they win their game in hand.

“The top team go up and, barring any slip-ups, that will be Ipswich,” said Southgate, a PE teacher at Harwich and Dovercourt High School.

“But I believe second spot is there for the taking and that would be a real achievement.

“Then, hopefully, we can really push for promotion next season, when senior players are back and the younger ones will benefit from this experience.

“It’s an exciting prospect.

“Saturday was our biggest challenge but the girls really stepped up to the challenge.

“We had to have a bit of reshuffle and change our formation.

“But Ipswich are desperate to go up and unbeaten before last weekend, so it was very impressive.”

Harwich have been fielding a young side this season.

Southgate, 30, is one of three players unable to play because they are expecting babies.

As a result, the club have handed debuts to youngsters like Abbie Henshall and Gabby Williams, who are 14 and 13 respectively.

“The team have exceeded all expectations so far this season,” said Southgate.

“There’s been so much improvement and the girls are performing well, working hard as a unit and as a team.

“Team-work has been one of the keys to our success but, for me, the biggest things in our favour are our fitness and speed on the break.

“Not many teams can keep up with us.

“From my own point of view, it’s been strange not playing but I’m getting used to it.

“It was difficult at first but the girls have been great to watch.

“It’s been a learning curve but I’ve got no worries whatsoever when they play.”

Harwich have six league games left and have a new goalkeeper, Mia Reynolds, joining later in February.

Other new players are always welcome.

Training takes place on the Astroturf at Dovercourt Bay Lifestyles, between 7pm and 8pm on Mondays.

Equipment will be supplied.

“We’re now debating whether to field a second side in division one next season,” added Southgate.

“We just need to see what numbers we get in training.

“We have ladies turning up to training who we can’t accommodate in the first team on a Saturday.

“It would be brilliant to have a second team, so they get to play regular league hockey.”