Fylde 1XI 1-0 Pendle Forest 1XI
Investec Women's England Hockey League North Conference
Fylde Ladies 1s welcomed Pendle Forest Ladies 1s to Mill Farm Sports Village on Saturday 8th February for their second meeting of the season. After the away fixture finished 1-0 to Pendle, in a match featuring few clear cut chances, Fylde knew they would have to be on top of their game to come out with points from this encounter.
This was the Ladies 1s first home league match of 2020, however they started the game in an all-but-settled fashion with Goalkeeper Ana Pueche Navarro being called into action on a number of occasions.
As was the case in last weeks success v Cannock, Fylde settled into the game, made some tactical tweaks and were soon rewarded with a goal on the 25th minute. Lucy Whalley feeding the ball to Sophia Crawshay who coolly rounded the keeper and slotted into an empty goal. 1-0 to Fylde.
Some lovely link up play down the channels created a number of opportunities for Fylde to capitalise on their lead, but the Pendle Forest defence remained tough to break down, leaving it 1-0 at the break. The second half saw a flurry of chances for both teams, with goal line clearances and a resolute Pendle Forest defence keeping Fylde from doubling their lead.
Pendle Forest then reduced themselves to 9 players in the 4th quarter, which momentarily relieved the pressure on The Coasters, who once again managed to see out the result. This was Fylde's 4th victory in as many matches and sees them currently in 5th in the Investec Womens Hockey League Conference North.
Player of the Match: Vicky Rukin
Next Fixture: Sutton Coldfield (H) 13:30 15/02/2020
All of the teams in this league pose different challenges, Pendle Forest started fast and really threatened us to begin with, but as we grew into the game we created a number of chances and could've been 2 or 3 goals up. It is important that going into our next fixtures we are more clinical in front of goal and use our defensive organisation as a base to attack from. It is also pleasing to see the team embrace every game as a new challenge, showing a willingness to learn, adapt and improve every time they take to the pitch
Tom Little Coach
Garstang 1XI 2-0 Fylde 2XI
North Hockey League West Division 2
Ladies 2's lost 2-0 to Garstang in a game that was played in good conditions and with good spirit by both teams. Garstang are second in the table and a useful outfit. Fylde are struggling to get the same team each week. The first half was a good defensive display with some chances which needed putting away. The second half saw Garstang score two well taken goals, one from a short corner and the other open play. Kate Barker was the outstanding player and kept the score down with each save she made.. The next two weeks see 8 players away on a school trip and this will effect all of teams outside the first team.
Next week we play Clitheroe and Blackburn which is an important game in our quest to stay in this division.
University of Liverpool 1XI 4-0 Fylde 3XI
North Hockey League West Division 3 North
Liverpool Uuniversity, runaway leaders of the division, were a test for the Fylde defence throughout. They were held to a 1-0 lead at half time, but a further 3 goals were conceded for a final tally of 4-0. Fylde can be proud of their efforts against a team who typically score double this number of goals. Adele Pilddington, Louise Eastham, and Hannah Callagher, together with GK Sarah Hart were the star performers.
Preston 2XI 1-3 Fylde 4XI
Lancashire Central Women's Hockey League - Division 1
Ladies 4’s travelled to their old stomping ground at Uclan to play Preston 2’s. Needing a win to keep their promotion in sight, the ladies started strong, dominating the first half with Fylde’s defence not having a lot to do as play was in their attacking half. Goals came in quick succession with a first from Laura Knowles, followed swiftly with 2 from Ashleigh Mills. Preston came back strong in the second half, excellent saves from Izzy Slater to keep Fylde in the game.
Notable performances from Charlotte Thomson who played in the midfield this week as did Olivia Merrick, both driving the play forward. Motm goes to Ariana Milligan for strong, controlled defending against a tough opposition.
Final score Fylde 3- Preston 1. Thanks to Fran, Bernie and Adele for sideline coaching and support. Thanks to all the parents who came along to support in the cold winds too!
Fylde 5XI 3-1 Clitheroe and Blackburn 4XI Lancashire Central Women's Hockey League Division 2
A switch of home pitch to Kirkham Grammar School and a changed line-up, for an early start, did not stop a fifth consecutive win for the Fylde 5th Team!
A 3-1 defeat of Clitheroe & Blackburn Northern 4th ensured that they stay in contention of a trophy position in their inaugural season. Player of the Match, Summer Holroyd, opened the scoring with a finely executed penalty corner routine from the training ground. Summer injected the corner and then scored at the near post in a very satisfying period of play. Katherine Wholey scored another penalty corner with a bullet strike into the corner of the goal and that left Lottie Pickup to complete a fine set of goals. Substituted into the front line, Lottie smashed a ball high into the net to show the other forwards how to do it! The experienced opposition goalkeeper praised our efforts and we knew that only the best shots would beat her on the day.