Both teams can take some positives from the result

A tie between Stockport’s top two sides was always going to feel a bit different to ones against ‘proper’ opposition, but the game, although good spirited, proved to be dominated by attack and both teams can take some positives from the result.   

The 1s wanted to impose themselves on the game from the start, but with resilient defence from the 2s and especially keeper Julie Gavin it took 10 minutes before Rachel Dunley connected with a great cross from Jenny Worth to put them ahead.  The half saw good periods of attacking play and creative passing moves from both sides, with both defences dealing with the majority of the chances made.  Jenny Worth picked up a couple of goals, the first following a good pass from Amy Nicklin and the second as a result of being the most composed during a goalmouth scramble.  The 2s ability to apply pressure to the 1s defence with carefully constructed moves from midfield was finally rewarded when a defensive error allowed the well-positioned Nicola Attoe to drive the ball home at the back-post.   Towards the end of the half, Lucy Cook scored to make it 4-1 going into the break (Gemma Cook wasn’t looking and missed it.)

The second half was even more goal-filled.  With only 30 seconds gone, Lisa Horbury picked up her first, a few minutes later Lucy Cook got her second from a short-corner (no Gemma didn’t see that one either), quickly followed by Amy Nicklin popping one in as a goodbye gift: best of luck at Bowden, Amy!   The 2s refused to be daunted by the scoreline, and continued to cut through a 1s midfield and defence that had pushed-up to support the attack.  As a result, Nicola Attoe picked up her second.  The remainder of the half saw Lisa Horbury then rattle home a hat-trick of goals to give her a final tally of 4, with Rachel Dunley – who had been instrumental in assisting many of the 1s goals – getting her own name on the scoresheet.  The 2s showed great spirit, and skill, in scoring a further two goals: the first a great reaction to a parried shot being cleverly lifted by N for a third; the second almost at the death when Josie Moore beat the keeper to the ball and clattered the backboard.

Players of the Match – 1s Rachel Dunley, 2s Helen Taylor
Players of the Future? – Renee and Sarah