All the team gave 110%

The first game of the 2007/08 season for the Stockport 3rd team was at home against a well established Bolton side and it showed in the first half of the game. Stockport were persistently under attack and having to defend hard. Bernadette Pheiffer, Helen Higgs and Natasha Getcheffsky did sterling work defending within the 25 yard area to cut out many a shot and closed down Bolton's play. Saves from Andrea Getcheffsky kept Stockport in the game but it was inevitable that Bolton were going to score and their first goal came from a scramble in the circle where many a foot hit the ball before Bolton fired home a goal.

Stockport defended short corner after short corner and Bolton were finding it difficult to get anything from their attacking advantage. However, a loss of concentration by a tiring Stockport side saw Bolton cross the ball and one of their players get their stick on the end of a cross at the far post and Bolton went 2-0 up.

Stockport brought on Kerry Roberts, Caroline Lumsden and Hannah Meadwell and the fresh legs made a difference to the team. Hannah Meadwell channelled the play wide so Bolton had little option as to where they could go and Kerry Robert's determination had an impact breaking down play and getting the ball out to the midfield. Stockport held their own until half time. Half time score Stockport 3rds 0 - Bolton 3rds 2.

Stockport commenced the 2nd half with a little more fire and the game evened up a little but not before Bolton scored another goal early in the 2nd half. Emma Richards and Kelsey Redwood took control in the midfield with Becks Evans and play started to link up and the ball was making its way into the other half of the pitch a little more! Bolton lost their stride and Stockport became more of a threat with Julie Gavin having a shot and Caroline Lumsden putting the Bolton defence under pressure. Bernadette Pheiffer encouraged the team from the right back and stopped a shot on goal on the line, Adele White gained control of the ball and distributed it to the midfield making a difference to Stockport's attack. Emma Higgs managed to pick up some of the play by coming back into midfield which limited her options going forward but Emma managed to get some of her fantastic crosses in.

Elisabeth Habberly covered most of the pitch supporting the attacking play going forward as well as getting back to support the defence. Elisabeth was instrumental in intercepting Bolton's play and breaking down their set moves.

A short corner was awarded in the dying minutes of the game and Bolton brought all their players forward putting the Stockport defence under pressure but also made them more determined to keep the ball out of the goal. The Stockport defence as they had the whole game stayed tight, broke down the play and Bolton were unable to increase their lead - Stockport 3rds 0 - Bolton 3rds 3. Well done to Bolton. Bernadette Pheiffer was nominated Player of the Match deservedly so but all the team gave 110% in what was always going to be a difficult match given it was the first time we had played together and similar with all teams in Stockport Hockey Club - we're a team of mostly defenders!!