Match Reports 21 & 22 Mar 2026
- 1 day ago
- 10 min read
21 goals across two games for the Men as they celebrate promotion, the Ladies 5s on the brink of promotion, a second consecutive win for the Ladies 2s, and 3 sets of Lancashire champions for the U10 Girls, U12 Girls and U12 Boys.
Kirkby Stephen 1 1-3 Fylde 1
Fylde HC Ladies’ 1s produced a strong and composed performance on the road to secure a 3–1 win over Kirkby Stephen in their penultimate league fixture.
Fylde made the perfect start and immediately imposed themselves on the game. Within the opening minute, Olivia Newman Kirk latched onto a dangerous ball across the D to give Fylde a 1–0 lead.
Fylde continued to dominate possession, and it wasn’t long before their pressure paid off again, with Grace McGarvey timing her run into the D perfectly, to meet a pinpoint cross at the back post and double the advantage.
Defensively, Fylde were resolute throughout the first half. Any attacking threat from Kirkby Stephen was swiftly shut down by the disciplined back line of Vicky Rukin, Sophia Murray, Jasmine Smith, Lucy Partington and Amy Carter, who worked tirelessly to maintain control.
The forwards maintained relentless pressure, and Fylde were rewarded once more before the break. Jess Wharton showed great anticipation to intercept a pass, driving into the D and firing a clinical finish into the bottom corner to make it 3–0 at half time.
The second half saw Fylde continue to create chances, but they were unable to extend their lead despite several promising opportunities. Kirkby Stephen managed to pull a goal back from a penalty corner, reducing the deficit to 3–1.
Goalkeeper Katie Barker was called into action and produced a couple of excellent saves to ensure Fylde’s advantage remained intact.
Despite the late pressure, Fylde remained in control and saw out the game comfortably to secure another impressive victory.
They will now look ahead to their final match of the season at home against Wakefield, aiming to finish what has been an excellent campaign in style.
Fylde 2 3-0 Clitheroe Blackburn Northern 1
Fylde Ladies 2s delivered a confident and composed performance to secure a crucial 3–0 victory over Clitheroe and Blackburn, with every point vital in a tightly contested Division 1 relegation battle.
Coming into the game off the back of several positive performances, Fylde were full of belief—and with the sun shining and an excellent warm-up completed, they started brightly. From the first whistle, Fylde took control, moving the ball efficiently around the back, linking well through midfield, and consistently working it down to the bye-line to create dangerous circle entries.
The pressure soon told. After a flurry of shots on goal, the ball fell kindly to Dawn Child, who managed to get the faintest of touches to deflect it into the net and give Fylde a deserved 1–0 lead.
With the girls dominating play, it wasn’t long before they struck again. Camilla Wyles picked up the ball, shifted it onto her left, and unleashed one of her trademark reverse strikes into the bottom right corner—an excellent finish to double the advantage.
Fylde continued to control the first half, though CB did manage to break through on occasion, winning a few short corners. However, Emily Byers and the defensive unit dealt with these comfortably to maintain the clean sheet going into the break.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Fylde showing great determination to win the ball high up the pitch and continue applying pressure. A series of short corners followed, narrowly missing the target, until one finally paid off. EJ Dunkerley spotted a gap in the bottom left corner and fired goalwards—though there was some debate as Sally Livesey claimed the final touch. In true captain’s spirit, Ej awarded the goal to Sally, capping off a strong individual performance and extending the lead to 3–0.
Fylde saw out the remainder of the match with confidence, continuing to press and threaten, though a fourth goal proved elusive. It was a fantastic all-round team performance and an important three points as Fylde build momentum heading into next week’s fixture.
Fylde 3 1-1 Wigton 1
This Saturday’s game was incredibly hot. With last week’s celebrations of winning the league and securing promotion for next season the girls went into the game to have fun playing with each other as the season comes to an end.
The start of the game felt very end to end but with the real opportunities only really lying for Fylde. The 3s held their press well, trying to make the ball do the work rather than their legs with only 1 sub on the bench.
At 26 minutes in, Wigton had the ball at a 16, passing it out left and then back into the middle, Megan Hartley Smith worked the press incredibly and intercepted the ball on her reverse in front of the goal keeper. She then slotted the ball beautifully into the corner of the goal to give the 3s a 1-0 lead. The rest of the half was played calmly but legs started to tire as the heat became apparent.
In the second half the team knew they needed to try and keep the ball moving so they continued to pass round the back as Wigton held a half court press, they popped the ball in and out of midfield using Abbie Warburton who held the midfield strong yet again. Lauren Appleyard played some fantastic balls down the left sideline for either Megan Hartley Smith or Emily Finney to create more attacking opportunities.
Unfortunately, Wigton were able to break through in the second half to create a 1v1 with Michelle Longton which they executed well to score their equaliser. The rest of the game continued with the majority of play in Fylde’s hands but they just couldn’t convert.
The game finished with lots of tired legs but Fylde were happy to come away with another point and the girls look forward to playing their last game together at Lancaster Nomads next week where they will look to end the season on a high with all 3 points.
Man of the match this week was shared between Emily Finney, Abbie Warburton and Megan Hartley Smith who all put 110% effort in throughout the whole match and had countless contributions to attacking play.
Fylde 4 1-3 Pendle Forest 2
Fylde 4s faced a tough challenge against league leaders Pendle Forest 2s in a competitive and hard-fought match.
The game began evenly, with both sides settling quickly and matching each other across the pitch. Pendle earned an early short corner, but it was confidently defended by Fylde with Nikki Richmond clearing the ball to keep the scores level.
Fylde responded well and soon won a short corner of their own. Although Pendle initially cleared the danger, Alys Williams reacted quickly to regain possession and delivered the ball to Isla Carter, who made no mistake in finding the back of the net to give Fylde the lead.
The contest remained tight, with both teams battling for control. Pendle managed to equalise, bringing the score to 1–1. Despite Fylde creating further chances, Pendle capitalised on a break to take the lead, ending the half 2–1 ahead.
The second half continued in the same competitive spirit, with both teams pushing for goals. Laura Troth was excellent in goal, communicating with the team and making key saves. Chances came at both ends, and each side earned several short corners, though strong defensive work meant none were converted.
As the game went on, both teams searched for a breakthrough. With around eight minutes remaining, Pendle found the decisive goal, extending their lead and effectively sealing the result.
Final Score: Fylde 4s 1-3 Pendle Forest 2s
A determined performance from Fylde 4s against the top-of-the-table side, with plenty of positives to take forward.
Southport 2 1-2 Fylde 5
Fylde Ladies 5’s delivered a determined and hard-fought performance against Southport Ladies 2’s in an exciting and competitive match on the penultimate weekend.
The day did not start well with defender Dawn Perruzza having to miss the match due to an overnight flat tyre! Fylde therefore started with a new defensive duo of India Reville and Fran Loffler-Thompson.
The game burst into life almost immediately, with Fylde making a dream start. Within the opening two minutes, Chloe Jo Simmons found the back of the net with an impressive early goal, setting the tone for the match. However, Southport responded quickly, equalising just two minutes later in the 4th minute to show they were ready for the challenge.
Fylde refused to be shaken and continued to press forward with intent. Their efforts paid off in the 6th minute when the club’s top ladies scorer, Alyssa Woodman, recorded a well-earned goal, restoring Fylde’s lead. The remainder of the half saw both sides battle hard, but Fylde held firm to go into halftime with a 2–1 advantage.
The second half also saw some key defensive moments, including an outstanding short corner save by Fran, from a raised ball, keeping Fylde ahead. Discipline was tested, with three green cards issued during the game—Lola Cooper, Sienna Kitson early in and Evie Green in the last 5 minutes of the game.
In goal, Faye Jackson delivered a strong performance, making several impressive saves to deny Southport further chances and maintain Fylde’s lead. Across the pitch, the teamwork was relentless, with every player contributing effort, determination, and resilience.
Overall, it was a fantastic team performance and a well-deserved result for Fylde Ladies 5’s. A win next week will secure promotion!
Well done, girls!
Longridge Development 1-5 Fylde 6 Development
Saturday’s game poised the Fylde development team with many challenges with the first one being 1-0 down in the first 10mins. However this was the only goal against this young side thanks to our suburb goal keeper Cora Sweeney and the hard work of the whole team denying Longridge a second goal.
Quinn Elleray played her first match and settled in well making a valued contribution to the defence line alongside Bonnie Tomlinson which was challenging.
Imi Todd was relentless in pushing through the Longridge defence to score an amazing 4 goals with connection from the impressive skills of the Fylde defence and midfield players. Ruby Roberts, Faith Mcgillivray and Penny Atkinson linked in superbly to progress the flow of play forward.
At half time Alice Bishop had valuable words of wisdom to help the team halt the constant attack of play from Longridge. Alexa Airton after several near misses scored a well deserved goal.
A good spirited game was played by both teams and the score belied the hard struggle both teams faced.
Lytham St Annes 2 0-10 Fylde 1
Fylde Men secured their 2nd place in Division 4N with a straight forward 10-0 win against Lytham St Annes 2’s, and with it promotion to Division 3N.
A large squad and several spectators enjoyed the flowing passing hockey in the spring sunshine.
The first goal was scored in the first minute when an attack saw Ed Jefferson free at the post to score his second in consecutive games.
Further goals then came with regularity. Harry Gordon scoring 2, Luke Hitchen with 2, Schalk De Wet with his first club goal at a short corner following up from an initial save by the goalkeeper.
Goal of the day came again from Phil Hope. The ball was switched across the back from Henry Brogden to Pete Latimer to Schalk De Wet, who made a long pass up to Luke Hitchen running into space on the right who then crossed the ball at pace, for his father Phil Hope to deflect the ball into the net in front of the goalkeeper.
Lytham went more defensive in the second half and were much better at stopping the goals from open play but couldn’t stop two more Harry Gordon short corner strikes and a second goal from Schalk De Wet for a back-post tap-in at a short corner after Tim Woodman crossed the ball from the right.
Man of the match went to Joe Shepherd who played in the back four for the first time, including centre back, and impressed with his composure and passing.
The team celebrated their promotion with bubbly on the pitch at the end.
Keswick 3 0-11 Fylde 1 (Sunday)
Fylde Men travelled up to Cumbria on Sunday morning to play Keswick 3’s after the two previous dates were postponed due to the weather. They won easily 11-0 and this is how two anonymous spectators saw it play out.
Goal 1 – Harry Gordon ariel goal with an attempt to steal the goal at the final moment by Phil Hope.
Tim attempt, deflected at post by keeper.
Luke Hitchen attempt - swing and miss.
Goal 2 - Tim Woodman, Harry assist into top left hand corner of the goal.
Luke attempt - saved by dive from the keeper.
Goal 3 - Tim Woodman, goal off the post. Oliver van Rijn assist.
Goal 4 – Phil Hope. Luke and Harry assist.
Harry attempt- a stunning ball by Simon Holt into the D, Harry did the hockey-cokey and it was deflected by the goalie once Harry found his feet.
Luke attempt - Luke wished for wider goalposts but the national hockey federation cruelly denied him.
Goalie Craig Nutter felt very unloved and unwanted, no one was bringing the play his way since his kit still smelt of champagne from yesterday's celebrations when the club secured their promotion into the next league. He sat on the backboard to sulk about feeling unwanted.
Goal 5 – Harry Gordon, short corner, seconds before half time.
Goal 6 Tim Woodman after Phil dramatically threw himself past the ball.
Attempt Harry ball across goal, Oli shoots and saved by dive from keeper.
Goal 7 - Harry Gordon, assisted by Tim van Rijn off a short corner.
Attempt Luke ball into the D, the ball outpaced Harry and the goalie saw it out.
Attempt short corner by Phil to Paul, goalie slide half way across the D to take out as many ankles as possible.
Attempt - Harry carried ball into the D, in an uncharacteristically selfless act he passed the ball across goal & both Oli and Luke closed their eyes to give the other team an advantage.
Goal 8 - Phil Hope tapped the ball in from a shot across goal by Harry, good ball into the D.
Purple shot on goal comfortably saved by Craig, who finally saw some action, and collected by Phil to launch the counter attack.
Goal 9 - short corner taken by Phil, initially saved by the keeper and a second attempt successfully resulted in a goal by Oli van Rijn, with another attempt to steal the goal at the last moment by Phil, a renowned goal thief.
Goal 10, despite an excellent display of football skill by the defender on the line as Harry took a shot across goal, round the keeper, Phil Hope dinked the ball into the goal, cool as a cucumber., they repeated this routine mere seconds later for another goal, though this time the defenders managed to restrain their desire to play football.
Goal 11 - Phil Hope. Harry assist.
Attempt - Luke altruistically hit a ball across goal for Tim van Rijn to collect. Tim didn't quite make it in time before it took a leisurely roll off the back line.
MoM Tim Woodman
Lancashire In2Hockey Junior Tournament (Sunday)
Sunday's In2hockey Lancashire tournament saw a clean sweep for Fylde Juniors.
Lancashire Champions in U10 & U12 girls and U12 boys.
Congratulations to all our teams.
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