A dramatic win for the Ladies 4's at home coming back from 2-0 down, and an 8-goal home thriller for the Men's 1's.
Doncaster 1 P-P Fylde 1
Postponed due to the weather
Winnington Park 1 1-1 Fylde 2
Fylde started well and built into the game controlling the play through the middle and building into the attack. Play was end to end with great tackles and balls into space trying to work through the strong Winnington defence. Both teams started finding their rhythm making it a really close game and the scored remained 0-0 as they continued to battle the poor weather conditions.
At the half time break Fylde had many positives to look at but also identified areas of change that could help us going into the second half. We regrouped and went back into it level headed and ready to play our game.
Starting the second half, Fylde set up strong, getting straight back into the game and putting the pressure deep within Winnington Park’s half. 5 minutes into the half Fylde won a short corner which after a few shots and a scramble in front of the goal keeper was converted into a goal by Holly Farquharson.
This fuelled Fylde’s game allowing them to take control and keep the ball up high. The opposition bounced back from the goal and came at Fylde moving the play and exploiting the gaps and getting a few shots towards goal. After large amounts of pressure Winnington Park broke through and scored from open play making it 1-1.
With 15 minutes left to play the game was wide open with both teams still pushing for the winning goal but unfortunately a few late shots from Fylde were not converted leaving the final score 1-1.
Lytham St Annes 1 3-1 Fylde 3
As players found out that the match this weekend was confirmed despite the awful weather from Storm Bert, they arrived at Ansdell Arena to play against local rivals Lytham 1s.
The match started off strong in the rain, Fylde pressed high and clearly dominated the game to begin with, this attacking dominance was rewarded as Anna Vavoso crossed the ball across the D passing all of the Lytham defenders and arriving at Emily Greenwood who tapped the ball in from the back post within the first 15 minutes. This goal set Fylde’s heads high as they continued to fight through the first half to try and gain a second goal, unfortunately Lytham gained a short corner and a shot came in towards post that just couldn’t be stopped by the post player. The score going into half time was 1-1
With all to play for in the second half, the ball was end to end with good presses from both sides and many chances on goal for Fylde however Lytham found a way round the defence who held strong throughout the whole match, Lytham managed to score 2 more goals. This still didn’t knock the Ladies 3s confidence as they continued to have more of the possession, Fylde tried their best to get some more outcomes in their attacking D but were unsuccessful as the game ended 3-1. This score did not at all reflect how the Ladies 3s played this Saturday, there were times of great play and skill.
MoM was awarded to Sophie Slawson for some amazing saves throughout the whole game and DoD went to Emily Greenwood for turning up with the wrong colour socks after numerous reminders the night before! We have a week off matches next week then we go again in Ulverston to try and get those 3 points before Christmas!
Fylde 4 3-2 Longridge 2
Longridge took control of the match early on with a goal within the first 5 minutes that resulted from a counterattack and uncoordinated defensive work from Fylde. Fylde then kept up the pressure and contained Longridge in their own half for the rest of the first half, with many chances for goals but Longridge held onto their 1-0 lead.
As the second half began both teams came out with renewed energy and determination for 3 points. Longridge then went on to score another goal, early in the second half making the score 2-0.
Not long after, a brilliant piece of play saw Megan Hartley-Smith cross the ball into the D to Caroline Bell, who finished with composure to pull one back for Fylde, making it 2-1. The momentum had shifted, and Fylde's pressure continued to build. Fylde won a free hit outside the D which Ellie Hope took quickly and passed to Megan Hartley-Smith who delivered an accurate pass to Lola Cooper, where she tapped it in past the keeper, equalising to make it 2-2.
Longridge refused to give up, and they continued to push forward in search of a winner, but Fylde’s defence held strong under pressure.
With the clock ticking down, Fylde won a crucial short corner. Olivia Hartley-Smith sent the ball out to Megan Hartley-Smith, where she struck the ball from the top of the D, sending the ball past the Longridge goalkeeper to give Fylde a 3-2 lead.
[as caught on camera below]
Despite a late chance from Longridge, Fylde's defence held firm, and the final whistle confirmed the comeback victory for the home side. Fylde's ability to dig deep and fight back after the break was a testament to their resilience, and the victory will serve as a significant confidence booster as they head into the next round of fixtures.
Player of the match was awarded to Megan Hartley-Smith for a standout performance, contributing with two assists and the match-winning goal to lead Fylde to a well-earned victory.
Clitheroe Blackburn Northern 3 P-P Fylde 5
Postponed due to the weather
Fylde 1 4-4 Lancaster & Morecambe 1
After Storm Bert had swept through the North West, lifting the midweek freezing temperatures, but dumping masses of rain, it meant the Mill Farm pitch was actually playing at its best for the early afternoon game between 3rd placed Fylde and top of the table Lancaster & Morecambe.
With a morning drop out on top of the various injuries, Fylde were down to a bare but strong 11 and expected a tough match. This proved to be the case, and an early goal from the visitors didn’t bode well.
However Fylde began to pass the ball and retain possession and attack upfield. Ed Jefferson from his attacking left wingback position passed to Oli Adewale to drive up the line onto Martin Hayes who popped the ball over a defender’s stick and struck it into the bottom corner to equalise.
Towards the end of the half Fylde took the lead when Luke Hitchen dribbled on the right then popped a cross to Martin Hayes to tap it to the back post for Oli Adewale to finish, in a quality move.
Unfortunately Fylde couldn’t hang on the lead for long as the visitors attacked back and there was m a goal mouth scramble involving sticks, goalkeeper pads and some feet. With the foot in question being a few centimetres in front of the goal-line, a penalty flick was awarded, which was only just scored by Lancaster in a low push, but meant the scores were 2-2 going into halftime.
With a huge rainstorm drenching the players just before the break, there was an offer to call it a draw and retire to the bar, rather than play for another 35 minutes, but alas it wasn’t taken seriously, so back out into the rain both sets of players trudged.
Lancaster put more pressure onto the Fylde defensive line, but their high press also meant there was more space for Fylde to attack into, so the half became more open with end to end attacks to entertain the loyal crowd huddling in the stand.
Lancaster used their counter attack to take the lead with some clinical finishing. However Fylde fought back to equalise once more. Luke Hitchin took a free hit outside of the D, dribbled the required 5 yards before entering from an angle, and launched a screamer of a shot which hit the top inner post for a goal leaving the goalkeeper no hope. Goal of the season contender!
With ten minutes to go, the visitors yet again broke on a counter attack, eluded a defender and again scored with precision to take a 4-3 lead.
Fylde never give up, especially when Martin Hayes is in the side, and the whole side pushed up the field. Paul Thomson attacked and supported down the wing from his right back position, and was able to strike the ball into the D from where Martin Hayes somehow conspired to score when on the bye line with the goalie to beat, retaining possession and tapping the ball around the goalie. Only Martin can persist and make a goal like that happen.
4-4 and both sides pushed in the last few minutes, but ultimately both had to settle for an honourable draw, and chicken burger & chips for those who stayed in the bar afterwards.
Fylde’s man of the match went to Luke Hitchen for his skills up and down the pitch and an incredible goal.
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