Fylde 1XI 1-2 Cannock 1XI
Investec Women's England Hockey League North Conference
Fylde Ladies 1s welcomed Cannock Ladies 1s to Mill Farm for what was an important IWHL Conference North fixture for both sides. Cannock had found some form of late, beating fellow strugglers Beeston 2s 1-0 last week to boost their survival hopes, whereas Fylde went into the game somewhat kicking their wounds after a tough defeat at home to Wakefield.
Much like the game the week before, Fylde conceded a goal early in the match, with Cannock bringing a fight and intensity which saw them take the ascendency and double their lead before the end of the first quarter.
It was a case of regrouping and trusting the process for The Coasters who began to find their stride and play the ball around impressively in the second quarter. This pressure soon took its toll, with Fylde reducing the deficit to 2-1 early in the second half through a first time finish from Dawn Child.
The away side sat deeper and deeper, soaking up waves of pressure from Fylde with Hannah Cook coming closest hitting the outside of the post. As much as they tried, Fylde couldn’t find a way past the resilient Cannock defence who were visibly fighting for their lives and inspiring each other as they did it, with the final whistle blowing on a 2-1 win to Cannock.
Despite the defeat, other results going the way of Fylde has seen the Ladies 1s secure National League status for the 2020/21 season, and they hope to reverse their run of 2 defeats when away to Beeston 2s on Saturday 14th March.
Next Fixture: Beeston (A) 14/03, 14:00
The past two games have been frustrating for the team, who have dominated possession but seem to be lacking a cutting edge in attacking areas. We look forward to the next 2 games to play with a nice freedom and put foundations in place ahead of our Conference North campaign next year.
Tom Little Coach
Deeside Ramblers 1XI 2-0 Fylde 2XI
North Hockey League West Division 2
Over the last few weeks the Fylde Ladies 2nd Team have had to change their way of playing and try to contain the opposition and attack on the break. This has resulted in a spirited fighting display yesterday by the team against Deeside Ramblers 1st Team who were third in the table. Special mention to Katie Barker as goalkeeper who kept Deeside out for long periods and to the young players in the team who kept to the task supported by the more experienced players.
The main feature when you have only 11 players is to pass the ball and not to run with the ball. This is a feature of the play and a great thing to see. Out of defeat can come so much positivity.
Fylde 3XI 3-2 Leyland and Chorley 1XI
North Hockey League West Division 3 North
Fylde v Leyland was a crucial game for both these relegation threatened teams, but nerves were not shown as speed and skill entertained the spectators.
Fylde were 2-0 ahead after Poppy Kearsley and Olivia John-Haslam scored, but Leyland kept themselves in the game with the last touch before the interval. Leyland equalised and then tried to hold out against constant Fylde pressure. Rhuksana Mahmood broke the deadlock and Fylde took the win to drag themselves up the table and out of the dreaded drop zone.
Fylde 4XI 3-2 Brookfields
Lancashire Central Women's Hockey League - Division 1
The Ladies 4s needed a win to stay in contention for a second place finish in a game against top of the table Brookfield Ladies.
The ladies set out a little unsure, with Brookfields scoring the first goal. The 4’s came back strong scoring 2 goals before half time. Beth Ridsdale with the first and Lindsey Tait with a strike from a short corner.
After a positive half time talk, reminding everyone of their strengths and a few strategies they returned to the pitch. With some good changing of positions the team looked strong. Brookfields scored bringing the score to 2-2. The ladies battled on, making some fast breaks, one eventually becoming successful for Lucy Bridges, bringing the score to 3-2.
A fabulous win! Excellent saves from Izzy Slater in goal. Unable to chose a motm as the whole team deserves it for individual merits. One game to go with a win needed and the other second place team to lose or draw.
Lytham St. Annes 2-2 Fylde 5XI Lancashire Central Women's Hockey League Division 2
Fylde Ladies 5th Team secured a third place trophy, with one match remaining, in their inaugural season following a tough game against local rivals, Lytham 3rd Team. Lytham needed a win and Fylde a draw to secure the 3rd position in LCWHL Division 2. A finely balanced and well fought match resulted in a fair result as both teams battled on a cold but sunny day at Lytham.
Fylde conceded an unusual goal in the first half which unsettled their team – an unfortunate defensive foot deflection into goal. They rallied in the second half with a stunning reverse stick deflection from top-scorer Katie Thompson, following a powerful right hand cross from Katherine Wholey. Lytham took the lead for a second time from a good short corner routine but Fylde played their joker card when their experienced captain set up a decoy move for a penalty corner! Katherine Wholey slammed home an accurate corner strike, to equalise late in the game, whilst the Lytham defence expected Fylde’s captain to take the initial strike.
Player of the Match goes to Katherine Wholey who cannot help but enjoy her return to playing this season in many different positions to support her team.