Hockey season is with us once more

The summer draws to a close and the hockey season is with us once more.  The weather for Saturday's 1st game of the season wasn't very conducive to playing - blue skies, sunny and a Celsius temperature in the 20s! 
 
The 4th team are newly promoted into the 3rd Division and we fielded a considerably younger side than the well established Newton team interjected with a few golden oldies (Moi and Bernadette in defence!).  The first 5-10 minutes were well balanced with the young side holding their own and settling into the game very well.  Bernadette Pheiffer was solid in defence with Claire Higgs who linked up well with sister Emma out on the wing and the passing and movement of Sophie Binder, Rachel Owen and Jenna Connor was a joy to watch in midfield.
 
However, Newton’s experience shone through and their constant pressure on the Stockport defence eventually paid off with a slip shot and then converting a short corner (albeit with the help of the players feet!).  2-0 down but Stockport continued to give Newton a good run for their money.  Olivia Shackleton and Christina Bates pressed the Newton defence through their speed but just lacked sufficient finish against the Newton goalie.
 
2 more goals followed and the half time score was 4-0.  Positive team talk emphasising the self pass rule and stronger and quicker movement of the ball up to the forwards resulted in the 2nd half being a far more even affair in terms of possession but 3 more goals were conceded as an under pressure Stockport defence started to run out of a bit of steam.
 
Some good crosses started to come in from Freya Krom on the right wing and some determined attacking put Newton under some pressure towards the end of the game and Stockport came close to scoring what would have been a consolation goal.
 
All the youngsters played well and the youngest player on the pitch Claire Higgs was awarded player of the match – well done Claire.  Overall a promising performance for the games ahead.
 
Andrea Boulton