Hockey season is with us once more

Stockport 1s v Stockport 2s

The 1s wanted to impose themselves on the game from the start, but with resilient defence from the 2s 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 player 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.

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, quickly followed by Amy Nicklin popping one in. 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 Nicola Attoe for a third; the second almost at the death when Josie Moore beat the keeper to the ball and clattered the backboard.  Final score 12-4.

Stockport 3s v Stockport 4s

This 3rd Division fixture saw the young 4th team up against the more experienced 3rd team but it was the 4s who started the stronger side and were first to the ball creating some impressive attacking play in the first 15 minutes.  The 3s caught the 4s out on the counter attack forcing a penalty corner which Claire Lumsden fired past the keeper into the middle of the goal.  Just on the stroke of half time the 3s found Emma Richards unmarked on the far post who made it 2-0.  The 2nd half was a more evened game with the 3s unable to increase their lead making the final score 2-0.

Stockport 5s v Westleigh 1s

Stockport 5s were looking for their first points in the 4th Division but were soon two goals down and by half time didn't look as if it was going to happen.  But they kept up their attack and it paid off with a great shot from Fiona Holland Which lifted spirits and un-nerved Westleigh.  The game was end to end and in the dying minutes Holland grabbed her 2nd goal, Stockport's equaliser and their first point of the season.