A hungover Goal Keeper

Stockport 3rd’s first win of the season came this weekend at home against an impressive Stockport 4th team.

It took a while for the 3rd team to settle down in the first 20 mins as we endured a spell of pressure from  the quick and skilful 4th team front line  of Emma Higgs, Olivia Shackleton, Sarah Pearson and Chloe Withers. The 4th team had a number of good runs down the right  through Nicola Reeves and left  through Sophie Binder  however  the 3rds defence of Susan Elcock, Kerry Roberts and Adele Lumsdon kept the 4ths out with some strong tackles.

The first 20 minutes  the 4ths were giving the 3rds a good run for their money and it took a while for the 3rds to get on top in the game and this was coupled with some great moves down the right and left wing. Caroline  Lumsden and Emma  Richards linked up well on the left and forced a short corner. Emma pushed out to Becks Evans who struck the ball towards goal. The ball was cleared by a 4th team defender straight at Leila  Owen 10 yards from goal and she struck the ball superbly passed Andrea  Boulton to make it 1-0 to the 3rds. Yipee!

The 3rd team had a number of chances towards the end of the 1st half but some excellent  defending by Bernadetter Pheiffer, Stef Whyte and Claire Higgs plus saves from Andrea kept the score at 1-0. Romana Owens, Kelsey  Redwood and Becks Evans all worked hard in midfield and hard work paid off just before half time. Kelsey played an excellent ball to Becks Evans on the right wing who took the ball the bye line, pulled it back to Claire Lumsdon who smashed home from close range to make it 2-0 just before the break.

A few changes were made at half time and Captain Adele gathered everyone together for a quick half time talk. Caroline was switched to the right to link to with sister Claire and Christina  Bates played some lovely moves with Emma Richards on the left. Some excellent hockey played in the second half and some great moves down both wings forced some great saves from Andrea who kept the 4ths in the game.

The 3rd team had their spell of pressure midway through the second half  created through some hard work from Kim Lumsden, Jenna Connor and Freya Krom in midfield and Julie Gavin (in the goal for the 3rd this week) made some excellent saves. Unfortunately, after some great work from Julie the 4th team were awarded a penalty flick and Chloe Withers stepped up to take. She hit the ball straight at Julie who managed to make the save J  Disappointing as the 4ths deserved at least a goal out of the game. 

A great game to play in and some excellent hockey played by both teams.

P.O.M awarded to Kelsey  Redwood 3rds and Sophie Binder 4ths both were excellent from start to finish. Well done you!!