Match Reports 22 Nov 2025
- Peter Latimer
- 21 minutes ago
- 10 min read
5 wins, 1 draw and just a single loss for the 7 Fylde senior teams, including wins for both of the 1st teams.
Wakefield 1 0-1 Fylde 1
Fylde picked up a well-earned 1–0 win away at Wakefield, showing real determination despite a number of frustrating decisions that went against them.
The decisive moment came from a penalty corner, where Megan Wildish fired the ball powerfully into the goal. Fylde continued to threaten, with Rebecca Worthington going close after her shot was pushed onto the post by the Wakefield keeper. Wildish was later brought down from behind when through on goal, leading to a penalty flick, but Nicky Kellett’s effort was kept out by an outstanding save.
Fylde stayed strong defensively. Vicky Rukin used her experience to break up Wakefield’s attacks, while Grace McGarvey kept the midfield calm and organised. Player of the Match Kellett was influential throughout, constantly pressuring the Wakefield defence and helping Fylde manage the game in the closing stages.
A solid, disciplined performance sees Fylde take all three points. They return to Mill Farm next week to face Bowdon before the Christmas break.
Clitheroe Blackburn Northern 1 0-0 Fylde 2
Fylde 2s travelled away to Clitheroe & Blackburn for a match that started late due to injuries in the previous fixture, but the delay didn’t faze the team. Fylde got straight into their preparation and hit the pitch with intent, taking the game to the hosts from the first whistle. With sharp passing, strong link-up play and real pace, Fylde immediately set the tone.
A well-organised Blackburn side matched our intensity, creating an end-to-end battle. Izzy Mahon earned Fylde’s first short corner through excellent composure and determination in the D. Fylde unable to get anything from this. Fylde’s forward line reacted well, setting up their early press quickly, while the midfield filled the gaps and kept the press tight.
Blackburn threatened with a couple of quick breaks, but any danger that slipped through was dealt with confidently by Fylde’s defence. Jess Anderson found pockets of space that Blackburn struggled to manage, helping Fylde move the ball out from the back and launch fresh attacks. Lydia Hayhurst drove powerfully through the centre, rebuilding momentum, while Emma Savidge’s strong runs up the right created more options for Dawn Child on the P spot. Fylde carved out multiple chances, including some nail-biting near misses, but the Blackburn keeper held firm.
At the other end, Sophie Slawson kept Blackburn off the scoresheet during open play and from two short corners, one of which was dramatically cleared off the line by Jayne Wilson.
Fylde stepped up another gear in the second half. More chances were created through Sally Livesey’s link-up with Sara Jane Tomlinson, while Flo Worden drove up the wings with Jess Anderson in support. Emma Savidge executed the baseline strategy perfectly, only for Fylde to be unlucky with the final touch. Blackburn then broke through for a 1-on-1, but Sophie Slawson stood tall, dealing with the threat superbly, with Sara Jane Tomlinson working back hard to cover the left post. Sophie later produced yet another excellent save to maintain the clean sheet.
Ellie Hope helping out form the 4s made a strong impact after coming on in the second half, holding the ball well, staying composed and creating attacking opportunities. Fylde’s third short corner saw a well-worked left slip and a near finish from Dawn Child, just millimetres away from connecting.
It was a great game of hockey and a huge team effort from Fylde 2s, who battled hard throughout. Despite an unlucky result on the day, the performance showed real determination, structure and skill.
Wigton 1 1-2 Fylde 3
Today marked Fylde 3s furthest away game, in a game that felt as though it may as well have been in Scotland. Availability issues across the club and a week full of selection issues prior, the 3s managed to take 12 up to Wigton to face 3rd in the league, confident to secure another 3 points to add to the table.
Fylde started with first push back, they faced a lot of defensive work in the first half, requiring strong communication between the new team to ensure that they kept the game in hand. Unfortunately 10 minutes in, Wigton found the better of the new side and found their first (and only) goal.
However Fylde picked the ball back up and went straight out again to try and find the equaliser! Although, this was disrupted by Abi Wensley picking up a green card shortly after Wigton’s successful attack. Fylde adapted to being a player down and continued to press high until Abi made her return to the pitch.
Fylde were now determined to find their equalising goal, they had many opportunities but just could not find the back of the net… just yet. 25 minutes in, Centre forward, Sophia Melling picked up the ball, beat the Wigton defender and delivered her most beautiful goal yet this season, going through the goal keepers pads at lightning speed, Fylde found themselves drawing at 1-1!
Although the score going into half time was still 1-1, this doesn’t reflect the opportunities that the 3s encountered, unfortunately Wigton’s back line managed to deal with our threats to keep it level going into the 35th minute after a constructive half time team talk, where the whole team contributed effectively.
Within 5 minutes of the first half, Sophia Melling, once again found herself in space in the attacking 23 with the ball, skilfully she slotted it into the left hand corner, catching both the Wigton defenders and keeper off guard to make the score line 2-1!
The 3s truly deserved this lead after their efforts from every position. In the 55th minute, Fylde had to deal with another 2 minutes stint with 10 players after Jade Mottley received a green card, even after she saved the day, coming back from injury!
Even with a player down, Wigton still couldn’t find any real opportunity to make an attacking threat. The back four marked well to ensure that any threats the opposition tried to impose were shut down quickly and effectively turning them into an opportunity for the 3s to increase their score line.
Towards the end of the game, Wigton thought their only hope was to take off their goal keeper and put an extra player outfield. Whilst the game became increasingly physical, the 3s dealt with this impeccably to keep their winning streak, despite their young side.
Twice in the second half found midfielders Natalie Smith and Abbie Warburton, chasing a Wigton attacker on the attack which would have created a 1 v 1 with goal keeper, Emily Byers, they cleverly snatched the ball from behind to remove the pressure and create their own attacking threats.
Again, but this time through her own fault, Natalie Smith picked up a green card herself, meaning Fylde had 9 outfield player vs their 11 outfield players after announcing her strategic ‘time wasting’ collection of the ball next to the umpire!- DOD vote.
Fylde managed to push the ball from a defensive position, whilst having to defend short corners, up the pitch and press it up there until the final whistle blew. Another 3 points for the mighty 3s!
We are so proud of the team that came together last minute vs a tough 3rd in the league side to make themselves 6 points clear at the top of the league once again.
Player of the match this week was awarded to Abbie Warburton for stepping into the middle of midfield, holding the structure and not allowing the result to become a draw!!
Next week brings the last game of the first half of the season before Christmas against Lancaster Nomads where Fylde hope to continue their top form.
Thank you again for 4s players; Emily Finney, Aimee Jennings and Isla Carter for stepping into to keep our 3s confidently top of the league, who all played exceptionally!
Pendle Forest 2 1-0 Fylde 4
Fylde 4s travelled to Pendle this week to face the top-of-the-table Pendle 2s. The chaos began early: Hollie T arrived without her stick, and Laura took the wrong exit off the motorway like she was sightseeing and not going to a hockey match.
On arrival, the team discovered Pendle’s secret superpower: yellow pitch lines for hockey, not to be confused with the white lines just outside for football! However, Fylde didn’t let this affect them.
Fylde welcomed debut player Jess Grice from the 5s, along with the return of Sadie Atkinson and Alyssa Woodman also from the 5s.
From the start, Fylde’s defence was on a mission. Zoe Kirkham and Izzie Thompson defended like absolute machines, shutting down Pendle’s shots before they even became shots. Pendle won what felt like about 1,000 short corners, but Fylde’s defence wasn’t having any of it. Not a single goal went in.
Evie Bromley marked her players so well that Pendle’s young — and not-so-young — attackers had zero luck in Fylde’s D. Liv Hartley-Smith created attacking chances by pinging lovely wide balls to Sophia Taylor, getting Fylde moving up the pitch. And behind everybody, Laura Troth was in full “don’t even try it” mode, making brilliant saves that kept the score level. Alys Williams and Nikki Richmond worked brilliantly in the screen, blocking Pendle’s attempts to enter Fylde’s defensive quarter and calmly clearing the ball into space.
Half-time: 0–0 and Fylde looking strong.
At half time, Fylde discussed their game plan and how to switch things up. Pendle’s older players were getting a bit rattled, but the team kept their heads.
Fylde came back onto the pitch fully fuelled and ready to go. Pendle had first pushback, but Fylde quickly won the ball back and pushed forward with intent. Camilla Wyles produced a highlight moment: she intercepted brilliantly, dribbled down the left, and hit her signature reverse shot. The goal just refused to cooperate and the ball went straight into the fence above the goal.
Fylde earned two short corners but couldn’t quite convert. Then came a lovely bit of link-up play: Leah Richmond slotted a perfect ball through for Liv Hartley-Smith, who smashed it straight into the D. Hollie Twose ended up one-on-one with the keeper but couldn’t sneak the ball past.
Up front, Hollie Guthrie kept the pressure high, making strong leads and constantly causing problems for Pendle’s defence. At the back, Zoe Kirkham continued clearing everything that came near her, making sure Pendle didn’t get comfortable. Sadly, in the final minute, Pendle managed to slip a goal in, ending the match 1–0.
The scoreboard didn’t reflect the performance, but Fylde was outstanding. Against the league leaders, Fylde still put in an incredible performance full of fight, teamwork and effort.
A brilliant game from a brilliant team and all players should be proud.
Fylde 5 4-2 Lancaster Nomads 2
This Saturday saw a determined Fylde 5 ladies team take to the pitch for their game against Lancaster Nomads 2’s. The opening stages were tough and we soon found ourselves 2–0 down. But, instead of letting the scoreline drop their spirits, the team showed incredible resilience and fought back.
Just before half-time, the comeback began with Eleanor Bullough striking twice with two superbly taken goals, bringing us level at 2–2 and giving the team a huge boost in confidence.
The second half was all ours, with renewed energy and determination. The girls pushed forward once again with a strong attacking team. Eleanor delivered another two fantastic goals—four in total! A brilliant performance!
Defensively, Megan Eccles was outstanding, stopping wave after wave of attacks and keeping the opposition frustrated. Her work rate and positioning were crucial.
In midfield, Jasmine Stirrup displayed brilliant determination, fighting hard to win back possession and keeping control under pressure. Alongside her, Matilda Thompson did a superb job holding the left midfield position, supporting her teammates and helping to link play across the pitch.
By the final whistle, the team had turned the match completely on its head—a well-earned and impressive victory.
A fantastic result overall ladies!
Leyland & Chorley 3 1-3 Fylde 6 Development
Fylde 6th/Development Team secured their fourth win of the campaign against Leyland & Chorley 3rd team who are second in the table.
Fylde fielded a well balanced team of adults, led by Alice Bishop in the midfield, and energetic youngsters who shared the goal scoring across four players.
Poppy Benson scored on her debut with Lily Elgendy, Samira Baki and Ruby Roberts all hitting the net.
The team lead 3-0 before reply and then slotted a fourth home to show their superiority in what was an unexpected win!
Fylde had the luxury of twelve players for a change and Bernie Loffler supported as team manager.
They take a break next week and then play again in a re-arranged game on 6th December.
Fylde 1 4-1 Lytham St Annes 2
Fylde Men found stiff resistance from Lytham St Annes 2’s but ultimately came out as 4-1 winners.
The starting lineup excluded several key players, who were on the bench after arriving late for the pre-game meetup, and struggled to retain possession with the game ebbing and flowing.
Fylde started to gain the advantage once Simon Holt and Harry Gordon were subbed on, being able to dribble through players at pace, and suddenly chances were being made in and around the Lytham D.
It took a while before the first goal was scored, with a fine piece of passing hockey, leading to Sam Ayoma running in from the right wing and crossing to Harry Gordon to smash the ball past the goalkeeper.
With only having a one goal advantage at half-time, Fylde were encouraged to increase their intensity and not rest on their laurels. This seemed to do the trick, as within minutes of the restart a short corner was won and Harry Gordon scored with one of his trademark unstoppable strikes.
Fylde continued to press Lytham and put them under immense pressure, but the next goal wasn’t scored by Fylde, instead it was Lytham who counter-attacked against the high press and passed the ball to a lone striker who was able to run into the D and pick his spot past Craig Nutter in goal.
Fylde didn’t let up and continued to attack making many chances. Oli van Rijn had a dribble around the top of the D and then entered from the right side and executed a reverse stick shot into the corner of the goal to give Fylde a two-goal cushion.
A few minutes later from a short corner, Harry Gordon’s straight strike hit a defender’s foot just in front of goal and so rightly a penalty stroke was awarded which Harry duly despatched for his hat-trick.
More goals could have been scored, there was one which hit the post, several shots were narrowly wide of the posts, and there was a one-on-one with the keeper for Richard Clarke but his shot was saved at close range.
The game finished 4-1 but it was a great team performance from everyone involved and despite his third consecutive hat-trick Harry wasn’t voted Man of the Match for the third consecutive week, instead it went to young Will van Rijn just ahead of his dad Tim.
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