Another crucial match for the 2nd’s

This was without doubt the match, we needed to win to make sure that we had a chance to make the promotion places either in 1st or 2nd sport. In the previous match against the University, the did out play us looking like a well drilled and organised team, however with them taking the wrong turning on the M60 they turned up late and they had to run onto the pitch which was probably to our benefit.

Stockport were missing four players, so we forced to bring in a couple of other players but from the start we put them under pressure, with Amy making some good runs down the wing and Sam and Hannah working well in the middle. The stalwarts at the back of Sally, Wendy and Helen and of course Duggie in goal had the Manchester forwards under control and the midfield of Adele, Lucy Cook and Lucy Rowbottom worked hard to get the ball. After 10 minutes we had a well deserved goal a cross from Amy on the right of the circle found Sam who on her reverse stick found goal.

Stockport were soon 2 up, Helen Elcock taking a side line hit well inside our half, found Amy with an excellent hit through the midfield, it was just Amy and the GK and no contest Amy went around the goalie and slotted the ball home.  Jodie Wynne was unlucky not to score, after a cross from the right which just needed a touch but her arms were just not long enough!

In the 2nd half, we knew Manchester would come out fighting but we were unlucky not to grab another goal with Sam, and Amy going close. Manchester put under some pressure with their midfield pushing forward down the right and left, but Adele and especially Lucy R really picked up a lot of loose balls and turned defence into attack. Manchester had a series of short corners and managed to pull back a goal despite an out stretched leg from Duggie.  Wendy made some breaks from the back to take some pressure off the defence.

It meant a last few minutes of nervousness on the side line for the spectators final score 2 – 1 to Stockport.

Well played everyone, last match of the season next Sunday at Bellevue 1030 start, Followed by a well deserved Sunday lunch curry at the Naawab in Levenshulme.

POM Wendy Van Tonder