Match Reports 24 & 28 Mar 2026
- 3 days ago
- 12 min read
Final league games of the season saw the Ladies 5's promoted and the Ladies 2's avoid relegation, along with 4 wins and 2 draws on the final Saturday.
A great season for Fylde.
Fylde 1 4-1 Wakefield 1
Fylde Hockey Club Ladies 1st Team signed off their season in style on Saturday with an impressive 4–1 home victory over Wakefield, extending their remarkable unbeaten run that stretches back to November.
With confidence high following a strong run of results, Fylde started brightly and immediately took control of proceedings. The breakthrough came when Lucy Wane unleashed a superb reverse-stick strike from the top of the D, which was cleverly deflected past the goalkeeper by Rebecca Worthington on her return from injury. The goal was no more than Fylde deserved, but their lead was short-lived as Wakefield responded quickly to level the scores.
Despite the setback, Fylde remained composed and continued to press forward. Any attacking threat from Wakefield was expertly dealt with by Fylde’s experienced defensive unit, led by Vicky Rukin. Defender Lucy Partington created several opportunities with attacking runs to keep Wakefield under sustained pressure. Fylde’s persistence paid off when they regained the lead through a well-worked penalty corner, when Lisa Perry found Nicky Kellett who smashed the ball into the goal.
Knowing only a win would help them avoid relegation, Wakefield took the bold step of removing their goalkeeper for an additional outfield player. However, the gamble failed to produce the desired impact. Instead, it played into Fylde’s hands, and with the empty goal available, they capitalised late on. Jessica Wharton added a third before Nicky Kellett grabbed her second of the game to seal a convincing 4–1 victory.
The result confirmed Wakefield’s relegation and ensured Fylde’s unbeaten run continued to the final whistle of the season. It capped another excellent campaign for Fylde Hockey Club, finishing strongly and demonstrating the quality, resilience and teamwork that has defined their season.
Winnington Park 1 0-0 Fylde 2
The final match of the season saw Fylde Ladies 2s travel to Cheshire to face Winnington Park, knowing another strong performance could secure a crucial point.
With several changes to the squad due to unavailability, Fylde once again showed their adaptability and resilience - qualities that have defined their performances since January.
Winnington Park started the brighter of the two sides, applying early pressure down the right and making several entries into the D. However, solid defensive work from Sophie Slawson and her back line, with Esther Thomson stepping in at centre back, ensured Fylde remained composed. Despite this, gaps through the middle allowed Winnington to switch play effectively at times.
Fylde grew into the game with patience and control, and soon began creating chances of their own. A strong midfield turnover led to excellent link-up play between Keira Tomes and Chelsea Atkinson, carving out an opportunity on goal that was narrowly missed. Momentum continued to build, with Fylde applying consistent pressure in the attacking third – Camilla Wyles coming closest with her trademark reverse strike just drifting wide.
Winnington were limited to just two short corners in the half, both comfortably dealt with, leaving Fylde heading into the break feeling positive.
The second half began with renewed intensity from Winnington following a clear team talk, as they pushed forward and forced a series of chances. Sophie Slawson stood strong in goal, making key saves, while EJ Dunkerley produced a crucial goal-line clearance to keep the scores level.
That defensive resilience seemed to galvanise Fylde, who dug deep and finished the game strongly. The final 15 minutes saw play largely in Winnington’s half, but despite continued pressure and attacking intent, the breakthrough wouldn’t come.
The match finished 0–0, a hard-earned and well-deserved point for Fylde.
At the final whistle, Ej praised the squad for their determination and unity throughout a challenging season. Despite setbacks and adversity, the team remained positive and committed, ultimately doing enough to secure their place in Division 1.
Special thanks were given to Adrian and Jan Metcalf for their crucial support, along with Fran Loffler-Thompson for continued encouragement, and Sharon Bolton for her work at training—helping the squad refocus and believe in themselves when it mattered most.
A fitting end to a season defined by resilience, teamwork, and character.
Lancaster Nomads 1 3-7 Fylde 3
The final match day had arrived. The 3s travelled over to Lancaster University grounds to face another experienced team. Lancaster Nomads began the game with a lovely gesture by giving the 3s a guard of honour. This was a way of recognising their league win and promotion.
From the first whistle, the 3s showcased their unique style of play. They passed the stick to stick, finding gaps in the midfield and front line to initiate some attacking. Unfortunately it was the Nomads started off the score sheet 11 minutes in after a break through. However, obviously the 3s didn’t let this mean their heads drop.
After being awarded a long corner, Natalie Smith received the ball from Isla Carter, she then drove down the baseline, squaring the ball over to back post for Sophia Melling to slot away. Another textbook goal to add to this season.
After being told to “get higher” all season, it only took till the last game for Natalie Smith to clock on, she did in fact receive the ball high up the pitch where she was left with lots of space to dribble into the D and execute a very dramatic slap shot which resulted in the score line reflecting 2-1 and her picking herself up off the floor.
Another 3 minutes later, Fylde earnt a short corner in which Sophia Melling stepped up to strike, Abbie Warburton fired the ball to the top, Sophia hit the ball with such power it took a perfect deflection off the defender’s stick and into the net. 3-1!
Shortly into the second half, a Nomads forward found herself top D with the ball after dispossessing the Fylde defender and carrying out an excellent reverse stick shot which did find the back board. 3-2!
Fylde found themselves lining up for another short corner, this time, Flo Worden stepped up to take a strike in hope of finding her first goal of the season, which she was so close in doing however Abbie Warburton found the deflection to make it 4-2. Although it goes without saying we saw another of Flo’s iconic celebrations by causing a scene at top D, jumping up and down with her arms in the air, falling over her own two feet and ending up on the floor.
For the next 10 minutes, play was end to end with opportunities on the horizon for both sides, in the 53rd minute Nomads took advantage of a short corner which they slipped out right and into the back of the goal. 4-3.
With the score line becoming close to the last match that these two teams played against each other, Fylde dug deep to ensure they came away with all 3 points. Talia passed the ball from the left hand side of the 23 through to Natalie Smith on top D, in attempt at recreating her earlier goal Natalie slapped the ball from top D, the Lancaster Nomads keeper did well to save the initial shot in the air, but Aimee Jennings used the rebound to bounce the ball straight back into the net. 5-3!
2 minutes later, Fylde set up their strong press against a Nomads 16 which resulted in Sophia Melling intercepting the ball immediately, she then used pure skill to dribble in and out of the defenders and find the corner of the goal yet again. 6-3!
And even though she had already scored a hat-trick, greed took over and another 3 minutes later, Sophia Melling found her fourth goal after her first shot being saved but landing back with the ball, Sophia turned out and fired the ball back towards the goal to finish it off. 7-3!
The last few minutes of the game saw some more end to end hockey, Fylde’s defence did well to keep the gap in the score line.
And then the final whistle went, after such an incredible season together it was now over. There were lots of hugs and tears, including Natalie’s wailing that could have been heard back from Mill farm. Once Natalie had calmed down, the evening of celebrations commenced.
Man of the match this week again had a variety of votes but was joint between Sophia Melling for her outstanding 4 goals and Natalie Smith for being a constant threat in midfield and creating opportunities going forward (when she went high). However she did then also win herself DoD for her dramatic wailing.
Although coach Jay Currey came a close second after turning up in a full suit to the game after promising if the girls won the league he would go full Mourinho style for the last game, he did not disappoint!
Longridge 2 1-2 Fylde 4 (Tuesday 24th)
Fylde 4s headed to Longridge for the 4th attempt at a rearranged game from the start of the year. With 40mph gales and heavy rain for most of the day, the 7.15pm pushback was not appealing but as the final league match of the season, 4s were adamant to play.
With the penguin like warm (?) up in dry robes and mostly being blown around the pitch, Fylde started with first pushback and playing into the strong winds.
Longridge were strong from the first whistle but Fylde held their structure, forcing the play out to the wings. Izzie Thompson and Alys Williams were key in protecting centre of the pitch and kept the ball driving forwards despite the heavy rain. Longridge were able to break down the right hand side, outpacing Fylde and launching an attack on the circle landing a goal. Fylde reset with good direction from goalkeeper Laura Troth and pre-final boss, Zoe Kirkham. Fylde continued to press with a couple of shots on target but Longridge’s keeper denied the efforts.
The second half meant the wind was helping carry tired legs and Fylde went from strength to strength. A foot in the circle meant a short corner for Fylde which hit another Longridge foot. Fylde lined up again with the first shot saved but a rebound picked up by Ellie Hope and smashed into the goal.
Now on level pegging, Fylde really wanted their 3 points! A couple of minutes later, Olivia Hartley-Smith slipped the ball past the keeper and Fylde took the lead. This and the weather seemed to have an impact on Longridge as the intensity reduced. Fylde maintained good play to the final whistle to hold the win.
A great way to end the season which has seen the team come together with new ideas from Coach Sharron Bolton and achieve great success! The team look forward to meeting Longridge again on 11th April in Preston for the Lancashire Cup Final.
Windermere 1 C-C Fylde 4
Unfortunately Fylde 4 had to concede their game against Windermere due to player numbers, but finish very happily in the middle of the table 😊
Fylde 5 3-0 Leyland & Chorley 2
Fylde Ladies 5’s promotion went to the wire as any one of the top three could have taken the two promotion places on the last day of the season.
As Fylde 5 (2nd) hosted Leyland & Chorley 2 (4th), CBN 2 (1st) were playing Lytham 2 (3rd)!
Fylde fielded a full squad of 16x players as everyone wanted to play in a must win match! Coach Fran Loffler-Thompson was keenly supported by Sharon Bolton and Nikki Richmond with Leah Richmond controlling rolling substitutions. It was a true team effort!
The victory was never in doubt against an older yet experienced opposition who only brought 12x players.
Alyssa Woodman bagged a brace to secure her title as top Ladies goal scorer for the season, and Eleanor Bullough scored from close range from an assist from Alyssa.
GK Faye was called into action a few times but Fylde should have been in double figures had they not kept shooting at the keeper!
It was a fine end to the season, with Fylde 5’s gaining promotion in 2nd place behind CBN 2, who beat Lytham 2.
Next season there will be some good club battles as Fylde 5 join Fylde 4 in Division 3.
Fylde 6 Development 3-3 Garstang Development
Fylde 6th/Development Team started the final day of the season hosting Garstang Development for an early 10:30 start at Mill Farm.
In a day that registered all four seasons, the 16-player squad were keen to rotate positions to stave off freezing limbs.
Fylde started well against a much older opposition and their six forwards rotated efficiently to keep fresh legs on the pitch.
Penny Atkinson opened the scoring, playing in a more attacking midfield position, and Imi Todd added a second before half time.
Garstang pulled one back and the game looked evenly poised at the break.
Penny then scored her second giving Fylde a welcome lead but the opposition pulled back two more in quick succession early into the second half.
The game then settled down into an even affair and the 3-3 draw was a fair result.
Fylde 6’s have had a great season, showcasing some fine talent for the future.
The mix of adults and youngsters has blended well to show good Teamwork, Respect for one another and Inspiration for future generations.
The future is bright for Fylde!
Fylde 1 14-0 Preston 6
Fylde Men were in celebratory mood, guaranteed 2nd in Division 4N and promotion, had a full squad of 16, with several others helping out on the management side. They expected more of a contest with Preston’s elder statesmen in the 6’s but actually the game was very one-sided with Fylde playing some of their best flowing hockey of the whole season and quality goals being scored every few minutes.
In the first couple of minutes Preston had an attack which forced a save from goalkeeper Craig Nutter, which looped into the air and was then cleared. Little did he know it at that point, but it would turn out to be the only save he needed to make during the first half.
A minute later Fylde opened the scoring with club top scorer Harry Gordon making a reverse stick shot after a great through ball from Charlie Oliver.
Just after the restart Tim van Rijn shows great determination in intercepting a Preston ball with a long run, gives the ball to Harry Gordon in the D whose shot then hit the post. A minute later a shot from Luke Hitchen also hits the post but this time Harry Gordon is on hand to score on the rebound and a 2-0 lead.
After a couple of short corners that go nowhere, the 3rd goal comes from Ed Jefferson, for his 3rd in 3 games after having never scored previously, clearly becoming more confident in attacking as a midfielder. He tapped the ball in at the post after Harry Gordon was allowed to enter the D without challenge, following a breakaway down the right wing from Schalk De Wet and Tim van Rijn.
Just a minute later it was 4-0 after a trademark Luke Hitchen reverse strike, and then it was suddenly 5-0 when Harry Gordon got a lovely stick deflection in front of the keeper from Luke Hitchen’s pass from a tight angle across the D.
On the 20 minute mark at a short corner Harry Gordon laid the ball off to Simon Holt who struck on his reverse and scores for 6-0.
Minutes later, with an attack down the right from full-back Paul Thomson, down the bye-line, and then a pass back for Charlie Oliver to score at close range.
There was then a ten minute period with no goals, just a solitary short corner, with the half-time score 7-0 to Fylde.
The action continued as soon as the second half started. Josh Bywater and Ed Jefferson joined in an attack down the right, and supplied the ball to Jack Jones in front of goal but it was saved at close range by the young Preston goalkeeper.
Soon afterwards a short corner was awarded with the initial shot from Jack Jones saved, but after a bit of pinball in the D, Tim van Rijn latched onto it to score, 8-0.
Tim van Rijn made another key interception at pace, drove into the D and won a short corner. It was slipped to Luke Hitchen but his shot was saved.
It was another ten minutes before the next goal. Luke Hitchen scoring on his reverse after entering the D at the top.
Preston never gave up and looked to attack when they could. After fifteen minutes they had a dangerous attack and Craig Nutter made an important save to ensure a clean sheet for the game.
In the final fifteen minutes, another five goals were scored. First it was Harry Gordon with a straight strike at a short corner, to bring the score into double figures 10-0.
Five minutes later at another short corner, an initial strike was saved and Tim van Rijn’s follow-up shot was saved by a foot on the goal-line and the whistle was blown for a penalty stroke just before Jack Jones slotted the ball into the goal. The senior members persuaded young Josh Bywater to step up and take the penalty stroke, up against a similarly young goalkeeper, and with calm maturity he flicked the ball into the net.
A couple more short corners were squandered before a skilful attack down the right by Charlie Oliver opened up the Preston defence, and he was able to pass to Jack Jones who selflessly passed to Henry Brogden at the back post to tap in for his first team goal in his debut season.
A couple of minutes before the end Harry Gordon controlled the ball in the D and made a lovely flick over the keeper goal-bound, only to see poacher Luke Hitchen take a final touch and finish the game on a hat-trick of his own.
In the final minute, the 14th Fylde goal was scored again by Harry Gordon who volleyed the ball at close range from Jack Jones' pass. This made it 5 goals for the game and 44 goals for the season, making him the Club’s top scorer.
The team then celebrated with cake (thanks Victoria) and beers long into the night (for those of the right age anyway).
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