A lovely sunny day was a bonus

This was a cup game so limited players eligible to play and with half term breaks Stockport had a couple of key players missing but still a strong squad turnout of 12 players. With Susan Elcock in midfield picking up Heaton's centre forward Heaton seemed unable to gain their usual momentum and Stockport kept them at bay. Jean in goal was on form and what few shots Heaton managed to get in were saved including a high ball reverse stick flick - I think she had had her 3 shredded wheat for her breakfast. Sharon Bostandji was her usual vocal self in defence instructing the team and stopping many a ball with her feet and a couple of times with her stick - not sure if she quite worked out it was hockey not football she was playing ;-) When Sharon hit the ball she made her hits count and her hit outs found Anne Adamson and Natalie Sutherland creating some attacking play down the right wing and centre of the pitch. Stockport did lack a little anticipation of where the ball was going to be hit to which wasted some chances with balls going wide or off the back line with no shot on goal.

Julie Plant at left half cut out passes to Heaton's right wing and distributed the ball to Justina Maddock (who must have ran the total of a marathan during the game up the left wing!) and Debbie Mole and the one - two hockey that was played by Stockport put Heaton's defence under pressure but again lacked finish in the circle.

Nikki Barker was solid at center mid and what space was created through the close man marking by Susan Elcock was closed down by Nikki. In the closing seconds of the first half Heaton were awarded a short corner and it is rare for them not to score from these, and as if on cue their first goal came. Half time score 1-0 to Heaton.

Stockport half time team talk was about using the width of the pitch and trying to get the forwards not to get too drawn back as it was allowing Heaton to push up further and gave no target once the ball was in Stockport's control - it fell on death ears or more like tired legs!!

Hilary Clamp and Sharon continued the half time talk on the pitch - you could tell by their hand gestures they were talking team tactics - I think they were saying they needed 2 more players in midfield ;-)

There was some good individual work from Natalie Sutherland who was driving the ball from the half way line into Heaton's 25 yard but just needed to release the ball a little earlier as Heaton intercepted prior to getting to the circle. Jean continued saving shots but a failed clearance fell to the Heaton centre forward who made no mistake in scoring.

Stockport got a 2nd wind and Justina Maddock, Debbie Mole and Natalie Sutherland linked up and got into the circle and created a chance which Justina took and scored 2-1 - game on! Stockport followed their goal with a spell on pressure on Heaton but were unable to maintain it. Momentum was lost when Hilary almost headed the ball, Jean offered up her helmet and Anne Adamson went to kiss the ground with her head - funny rituals, must be something to do with their age?

Natasha Getcheffsky replaced Anne Adamson on the right wing and in between little screams did some nice tackling including a reverse stick flick to Natalie Sutherland who was able to shoot but just went wide. Heaton scored 2 more goals and in the dying minutes Stockport were awarded a short corner which was taken and before completion the final whistle was blown - thankfully not a deciding goal otherwise there could have been a few disgruntled players. Final score 4-1 but a good all round effort and a lovely sunny day was a bonus!

Player of the Day : Jean Woolston