Battled both the weather and some stern opposition

Stockport 3rd Team

Stockport 3rds battled both the weather and some stern opposition in last Saturday’s top of the table encounter at Heaton to come away with a credible draw that keeps them on top of the league table at the start of the New Year.

Starting in icy conditions it was the hosts who made the brightest start with Heaton’s Jenny Foster opening the scoring within 10 minutes with a clear strike past keeper Andrea Boulton.  Stockport pushed forward in search of a quick reply and came close with a strike from Debbie Mole going narrowly wide.  Adjusting following the Christmas break Stockport built some sustained pressure up front with Claire Lumsdon getting some strong crosses in from the right wing and Sam Piggin forcing a number of penalty corners that Stockport failed to convert.  Before the half time break both teams created chances, Heaton crafted some fine moves forward with efforts on target from Jane Brown and Sam Barton forcing saves from Stockport’s keeper Andrea Boulton and leaving it all still to play for in the second half.

Stockport started the second half a lot stronger and in search for the equaliser they dominated possession but were continuously denied by a resolute Heaton defence.  Play then built up from Wendy Van Tonder in defence linking up the left with Kelly Shore whose slick passing enabled Sam Piggin to make a precision cross to Debbie Mole who neatly tucked away the equaliser for Stockport.

Heaton’s back line held firm to deny Jax Pheiffer and Caroline Lumsdon and Heaton’s keeper Nat Davies made some vital saves to keep them in the game.  Although Stockport battled to the final whistle, the game finished 1-1 draw with Stockport taking a vital point to retain their lead at the top of the table.

Stockport 2nds game was cancelled due to the weather. 

Hockey coaching commences on Thursday 8th January, 2009 – Juniors (boys & girls aged 7 upwards) 6-7pm and seniors (ladies) 7-8.15pm at Werneth Recreation Centre (behind Werneth School) - all abilities catered for and new players always welcome.  For more information please visit our website www.stockporthockey.co.uk.

Andrea Boulton