couldn’t quite get that final touch on the ball

The last time these two teams met the result was 1-0 to Heaton so Stockport wanted to improve on this result and improve they did.  The game started in Heaton’s favour when Jane Brown did a lovely run down the right wing and crossed the ball into the circle just as Andrea had told Helen Elcock to drop back to pick Carolyn Tonge up she moved forward and slotted the ball in the net – shut up Andrea!!  Stockport picked up the pieces and started to play some great hockey forcing saves from Nat Davies and a save off the line from Sue Moores.  Sam Barton and Jenny Foster bothered the Stockport midfield but then met Helen Taylor or Adele Lumsden in defence who were cutting out many of the final shots.  Emma Woodhead linked up well with Debbie Mole and Sam Piggin up front but the Heaton defence were solid and shots were just off target.  Jax Pheiffer made some great solo runs but couldn’t quite finish what she started but kept Heaton on their toes.  With 10 minutes to go before half time Debbie Mole found an opening in the Heaton defence and scored from close range.  Heaton replied with shots on target and forced a great save from a short corner just before half time.

The second half Stockport held a lot of possession and although looked the more threatening of sides (in terms of scoring!) Heaton still had their chances and forced a few short corners.  They used the ever reliable Jenny Foster whose shot went just wide and another was saved by keeper Andrea Boulton.  Helen McConniffe (is that how you spell it?) covered plenty of ground up and down the right wing supporting both the defence and playing Sam Piggin on into the Heaton circle.  Hannah Meadwell playing left mid supported Emma Higgs who got into some great positions on the back post which almost paid off but just couldn’t quite get that final touch on the ball.  Final score 1-1. 

Player of the match was Helen Taylor who sustained an injury to her foot in the 2nd half of the game and then to cap it all was hit badly on the hand in the following days match!