That was the case for Instonians II last weekend as replacement keeper Nikki Penney stepped in to help the Shawsbridge side back to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Owls.

This was the biggest win the team have had a quite some time and Penney played an important role with her impressive clean sheet performance.

Inst started the game like they have so many this season, by applying pressure from the whistle and apart from a few sporadic breaks from Owls, they remained in control for most of the match.

After several penalty corners and free hits around the circle Claire Young eventually broke the deadlock before the break to leave Inst 1-0 up.

The second half saw Inst slip backwards which allowed Owls to get back into the game.

They almost paid the price for it but once again Inst put their foot down to regain control and it was after a few more short corners that they got number two.

Judith Campbell pushed a set piece out to Judith Banner, who hit it towards Chloe Jackson and she put it back across goal for Campbell to sweep into an open net.

Instonains firsts weren't so lucky in their home match against top opponents Victorians. A combination of a mist ridden pitch making vision very difficult and a depleted squad resulted in a very hard fought, fast moving match.

Victorians scored within the opening few minutes breaking through an Inst defence who had rarely played together.

Inst stepped it up in the second half and it paid off when they scored the equaliser after numerous rebounds from the Vics keeper.

Towards the end of the match, Victorians were awarded a penalty corner and from a lovely strike and deflection from an attacker sitting on the post they made it 2-1 to finish.

A special mention must go to the newly appointed player/coach Maxine Johnston.

She was supportive and encouraging during the match, especially to those second XI players helping out.

Her new position will hopefully bring a new energy to the team and allow them to finish the season on a high.