The 4s have improved their losing score

The 4s have improved their losing score (it's the performance not the result that counts!) with each game but were still searching for their first point to get them off the bottom of the league table where they don't deserve to be.

Moss Park were going to be tough opposition but the 4s game is based on team work and a positive approach to every game regardless of who the opposition is so they weren't going to just roll over to a more experienced Moss Park side.

The hockey flowed in the first half from Sophie Binder, Chloe Withers and Susan Elcock in midfield connecting well with Emma Higgs, Olivia Shackleton and Natalie Sutherland up front applying pressure on the Moss Park defence from the off.  The young legs of Stockport 4s outpaced Moss Park but once Moss Park gained control their experience and determined play applied constant pressure on the Stockport defence and forced a number of saves from Andrea Boulton in goal.

It was Moss Park who took the lead when the ball unfairly deflected off a player from a long ball in which was being covered but there was little the defenders or goal keeper could do other than keep their heads up and play on for the equaliser.  Steff Whyte was a class act as sweeper, distributing the ball well and breaking down the Moss Park's constant attack and the 4s were lucky to have Adele Lumsdon in reserve to come on when Steff got injured to keep a tight ship in defence.

In the second half the 4s regular defence of Bernadette Phieffer and Claire Higgs had their work cut out inter-changing positions to break down play and putting up with Andrea's barrage of yelling (constructive on pitch guidance I hasten to add!!).  Rachel Sumner fitted in well in her debut match for the 4s, marked players out of the game and instigated well timed tackles to then switch play to rebuild the attack.

But it was the defence who were constantly under attack in the second half as Moss Park pressed to secure their win with another goal which was being paid off with the award of a number of penalty corners (and some dubious advantage feet decisions!).  A determined back line managed to clear the ball and Andrea sacrificed her child bearing days with one or two saves lol

A counter attack took Moss Park by surprise as the Stockport players out numbered their defence and a initial shot from Olivia Shackleton was saved but the rebound was picked up on the post by Chloe Withers who made no mistake in placing the ball in the back of the net - first goal for the Stockport 4s and a well deserved equaliser!!

With a point in sight Stockport fought hard to secure the draw despite desperate efforts by Moss Park to find the winning goal.  Final score 1-1 and player of the day Andrea Boulton ☺