SHC 1st travelled to Urmston for their first match of the season and whilst
blowing away some cobwebs Urmston looked a strong opposition initially with most
of the attacking play. Gemma Cook and Louise Preston were solid in defence much
to Urmston's frustration. Ten minutes into the game and Stockport's first real
break resulted in a penalty corner taken by Jenny Worth and converted by Amy
Nicklin in her first match for the 1st team :-)
Penalty corners seemed to be the order of the day and whilst Urmston struggled
to convert their opportunities Stockport certainly put the Urmston defence under
pressure. The speed and unpredictability of Jenny Worth was a constant threat
to Urmston and her persistence paid off just before half time when she picked up
the rebound from a penalty corner and scored. It could have been 4-0 with Jenny
Plant and Lisa Horbury both having shots on goal saved or hit the post. Half
time score Urmston 0 - Stockport 2.
The second half Urmston controlled the game and gained pace and confidence and
ten minutes into the second half Stockport's goalie Angela Fuggle saved a shot
but was unable to clear the ball from beneath her kit resulting in a penalty
flick. Urmston converted the penalty flick closing the gap on Stockport 1-2.
Stockport raised their game and there was some strong play down the centre and
lefthandside of the pitch. Another short corner was converted by Amy Nicklin
and then the miss of the century - 4 Stockport attackers on 2 Urmston
defence and an open goal was missed preventing Amy from getting her hatrick (get
them eyes tested!).
Disappointed with missing such an easy goal Stockport came back strong and a
long ball from Jenny Worth found Sam Piggin in the circle who scrambled the ball
into the goal. Final score Urmston 1 - Stockport 4.