First Match of the Season

Saturday, 13th September saw the start of the Greater Manchester hockey season for the Stockport Hockey Club 4th and 5th teams who were drawn against each other for their first match of the season.

The 4th team took an early lead after Jax Pheiffer pushed up from deep defence and after doing most of the work passed the ball to Fiona Holland who scored a soft goal past Jean Woolston in the opening minutes which took the 5th team by surprise.  The 4th team pushed for another goal putting the 5th team under pressure in their half of the pitch but excellent defending from Nikki Barker and Sharon Bostandji prevented Chloe Withers and Jenny Waller from scoring.  After the soft first goal Jean Woolston then found her form making a couple of outstanding saves.  At the other end of the pitch shots from Julie Gavin hit feet before the net (not that she would have owned up had everyone not seen it happen!!) and shots from Debbie Mole and Viv Hudson went wide.  After the missed shots came a cross from Viv Hudson which found Justina Maddock unmarked on the far post and she easily slotted home an equaliser.  Half time score 1-1 so everything to play for in the second half.

The 5th team started the 2nd half a lot stronger forcing saves from keeper, Andrea Boulton and a save off the line by new defender Helen Taylor.  And it wasn't long until the 5ths took the lead from a penalty corner which was converted by Debbie Mole firing her shot past the keeper into the back of the net.  The disappointed 4th team kept up their pace having the younger legs against the more mature 5th team who had began to tire.  Janet Woodhead made some good tackles for the 5th team and Hannah Meadwell playing out of position up front made some good runs and accurate tackles laying on the ball for Rachel Owens.  Jenny Waller created chances in the D but then had to be substituted having twisted her knee in her debut match for Stockport (we hope it's OK?).  Felicia Farimond and Emma Higgs worked hard in mid field and proved to be players to watch out for in the future.  Bernadette Pheiffer intercepted play and Hilary Clamp cleared the ball quickly up front to send the 5th team forwards on their way into attack by force taking the 4th team defence by surprise and creating 5 v 3 scenario's for the 4th team to get out of on many occasions.

In the final minutes of the game Jax Pheiffer who had played solidly throughout the match made a solo run from deep defence and found Christina Bates who equalised for the 4th team.  Final score 2-2 which gives each team a well deserved point each.  Excellent umpiring by Josie Moore and Leah Perkins who are close to their level 1 practical assessment and what great weather, just a shame we were let down with our chips at the pub!!

Stockport Hockey Club are looking for 2 new goalkeepers, if you are interested please contact Andrea on 0161 217 2037 or log onto www.stockporthockey.co.uk