Match Reports 31 Jan & 1 Feb 2026
- Peter Latimer
- 27 minutes ago
- 11 min read
Both the Ladies 3's and 5's had double wins over the weekend to stay top of their leagues in Division 2N and Division 4N(C) respectively
Fylde 1 2-2 Alderley Edge 1
Fylde HC Ladies 1s made a strong return from the Christmas break in the opening fixture of the second half of the England Hockey Conference North season, earning a point against higher-placed Alderley Edge in a game they largely dominated.
Fylde started brightly and took an early lead in the 6th minute when Nicky Kellett broke through several defenders before smashing the ball into the back of the goal. Pressure continued with Lucy Wane controlling the midfield, and on the 20th minute Fylde doubled their advantage as Jessica Wharton fired home from a penalty corner at the near post.
Defensively, Fylde remained solid throughout, with Vicky Rukin keeping Alderley Edge quiet and dealing confidently with any attacking threats. Despite Fylde’s control, the visitors persevered and pulled a goal back to make it 2–1.
Fylde continued to create chances but were unable to capitalise, and late drama followed when Alderley Edge replaced their goalkeeper with an extra outfield player. They were awarded a dubious penalty corner in the closing minutes, which was converted to level the scores at 2–2.
Fylde were disappointed to take just a point from a match they dominated, but there were plenty of positives to take as they look ahead to next week’s away fixture at Newcastle University.
Fylde 2 1-3 Didsbury Greys 1
Fylde Ladies 2s went into the match with renewed determination following a strong win the previous week. Knowing they faced a tough test against a high-flying Didsbury side, Fylde believed they could make an impact and started with confidence after a focused warm-up.
That belief showed early, with excellent team link-ups and disciplined execution of the game plan. Calm connections across the back led to a superb through ball to Camilla Wyles, who wasted no time, striking cleanly on her reverse to find the bottom right corner and give Fylde a deserved 1–0 lead.
The goal sparked Didsbury into life and they responded with sustained pressure into Fylde’s circle. Sophie Slawson and the defence stood firm, but just before half time Fylde were caught by a ball down the right, and individual skill from a Didsbury forward saw the score levelled at 1–1.
The second half was end-to-end, with chances at both ends. Didsbury managed to edge ahead with their second, but Fylde were not deterred. In the final ten minutes Fylde pushed hard for an equaliser, with Camilla and Chelsea Atkinson both going close. As legs tired late on, Didsbury capitalised on a final opportunity to make it 3–1.
Despite the result, Fylde felt they were unfortunate not to take something from the game. The performance was full of positives, and the team remain confident that if they continue playing this way, the points will come as they look ahead to next Saturday.
Lytham St Annes 1 1-2 Fylde 3
In a late game over at local rivals, Lytham, the local derby begun. Fylde went out looking for another 3 points to keep solidifying their top position in the league, especially with seeing the other results in the league roll in throughout the day.
Sophia Melling kick started the match with first push back, the first half was very end to end where attacking opportunities were created by both teams, but equally both well defended. Fylde dealt with any pressure calmly, putting in the right tackles and communicating with each other perfectly to work the ball out of danger and into their own attacking advantages.
Fylde were awarded an attacking short corner early in the first half, but unfortunately they couldn’t get a name on the score sheet as the defender intercepted the ball far post. However, minutes later, Sophia Melling crossed the ball using her reverse to Abi Wensley who was awaiting at back post and tapped it in to give Fylde their lead!
With spirits high, Fylde continued to press the ball in true 3s style. Olivia John- Haslam and Abbie Warburton did exceptionally well to break down attacks from the opposition dribbling through the middle, and distributing the ball out wide for Flo Worden and Emily Finney to work the line. Unfortunately after debate, Lytham were awarded a short corner which was well executed to make the score level.
The score stayed this way until half time, but Fylde went out determined to come away with the victory and somehow each every player found an extra 10% of effort, to dominate the second half. In the 56th minute Fylde were awarded another short corner. This time Olivia John-Haslam and Abbie Southern worked the ball between them at the top for Liv to put the ball into the back of the net. The whole team celebrated their lead once again together.
The team had to overcome challenges with 4 green cards being presented which at one point left 9 Fylde players on the pitch, however they covered this well by moving around positions and tactically breaking down play, moving the ball up the pitch and away from danger, defending their lead excellently.
The game finished as a 2-1 win to Fylde 3s with the girls happier than ever and feeling rewarded for all their efforts over the 70 minutes. There is no doubt that the girls deserved this win again this week as they work so hard for each other week in week out to get to the end goal.
Player of the match this week was voted to be Olivia John- Haslam who made great tackles and balls through to the forwards throughout the match and of course scoring the winning goal.
DoD this week went to Captain Abbie Southern for her series of unfortunate events throughout the match day including; not realising the team needed to be in white socks, getting hit again in her third game back after being out for 3 months with injury, proceeding to then drive away for match teas with her ice pack on the roof of her car and disappointing Abi Wensley when it turned out to be jacket potato for match teas instead of dominos.
Fylde 3 5-0 Southport 1 (Sunday)
Fylde 4 5-0 Garstang 3
Fylde 4s welcomed Garstang 3s for the home fixture this week. The team spent less time warming up and more time cheering the 2s on, a worthwhile trade. After an efficient warm up, Fylde got straight down to business with first push back.
The midfield pressed hard into Garstang’s half where Liv Hartley-Smith won a short corner. Injected by Alys Williams, the ball was picked up by Liv and sent towards the far post where Garstang got a touch on the deflection. Sophia Taylor quickly won the ball back and netted a goal.
The restart saw Fylde show their continued strength through the midfield and transferring around the back directed by Zoe Kirkham. Hollie Guthrie picked up a pass on the 23 and drove to the top of the circle, executing a perfect strike into the bottom corner of the goal.
Garstang had strong hitters and make breaks into Fylde’s half on occasion, winning a couple of short corners. Between Evie Dunne’s first run out and goalkeeper Laura Troth’s committed saves, Garstang were unable to monopolise on these chances.
Niamh Smith’s confident carry down the right wing, found Ellie Hope on the edge of the circle, who slapped the ball across the keeper, deflecting into the goal. Fylde consistently pressed high giving Garstang few options.
After a heavy shower, leaving everyone soaked and fairly cold, Fylde couldn’t wait to get back on the pitch after half time to regain some feeling in their extremities!
Alys Williams and Isla Carter controlled the middle of the pitch whilst Evie Bromley was strong on the right, tackling hard and driving the ball up into the 23. A good hit from Liv to Hollie Twose waiting in the circle, saw a nice slipped ball to Eleanor Bullough who unbalanced the keeper to landed a shot on her reverse.
Garstang offered continued attacks towards Fylde’s circle but between Laura’s readiness, the strong defence and the team tracking back to mark, they were not getting through! Eleanor made a run towards the left side of the circle, crossing the ball into the penalty spot where Ellie Hope flicked the ball into the net.
The last ten minutes were end to end as Garstang pushed to find a goal but Fylde held strong and the final whistle blew at a 5-0 win.
Brookfield 2 1-3 Fylde 5
Fylde Ladies 5s secured a well-deserved 3-1 victory against Brookfield 2s on Saturday.
Fylde started the match strongly, setting the tone early with a brilliant opening goal from Alyssa Woodman. Showing great determination and attacking intent, Alyssa wasn’t finished and soon added her second goal of the game, giving Fylde a solid advantage.
The pressure continued, and Fylde’s third goal followed shortly after, this time scored by Leah Richmond, extending the lead.
Brookfield did have a couple of breakthrough opportunities which lead to them scoring in the 1st half, but Fylde’s defence refocusing, stood firm.
Sadie Atkinson as ever making some brilliant hits and strong tackles, whilst Sienna Kitson, Dawn Peruzza, Megan Eccles, Evie Green and goalkeeper Faye Jackson working tirelessly at the back, making tackles, interceptions, and saves to keep Brookfield at bay.
A strong team performance from start to finish saw Fylde take the three points.
Well done, ladies! 💙🏑
Preston 3 0-5 Fylde 5 (Sunday)
Fylde Ladies 5s delivered a thrilling performance from the offset on Sunday against Preston 3s, who arrived with only 10 players. Fylde showed focus, intensity, and teamwork throughout the match.
The breakthrough came early in the 9th minute when Fylde were awarded a penalty flick. Alyssa Woodman stepped up and produced an outstanding flick to secure Fylde’s first goal of the game.
Fylde continued to apply pressure, and in the 25th minute Eleanor Bullough scored a great goal from a penalty corner, extending the lead to 2–0. However, the goals kept coming, and just two minutes later Chloe Simmons added Fylde’s third with a fantastic finish from the post, well done Chloe.
Momentum stayed firm with Fylde as Lola Cooper struck again from another penalty corner. Her powerful shot from the left slip caught the opposition off guard and rounded off an exciting first half. Strong defensive work ensured Fylde went into half time with a commanding 4–0 lead.
At half time, team tactics were discussed, and Fylde returned to the pitch showing determination, courage, and resilience. The second half saw continued teamwork across the pitch, and in the 61st minute Jess Grice added Fylde’s fifth goal. The build-up featured some brilliant work in midfield from Sadie Atkinson, helping to control the middle and create attacking opportunities.
A solid defensive performance throughout the match ensured Preston were kept scoreless, and the final whistle confirmed a dominant 5–0 win for Fylde.
Well done to everyone involved — a fantastic team performance and something to be super proud of! 💙🏑
Lancaster & District 4 2-7 Fylde 6 Development
This week Fylde faced a much fairer opposition as Lancaster & Morecambe Development fielded a full squad of young teenagers and a couple of adults.
Fylde just had twelve players this week but they put on a tremendous performance!
Freya Wood opened the scoring within four minutes with Carenna Leverton and Penny Atkinson adding two more before the break.
Julie Knowles had lots of air shots and finally connected mind and body in the second half!
Penny, two days before her 13th Birthday, completed her first club hat-trick with some outstanding attacking play down the right in the second half.
Ruby Roberts, 13yrs next day, scored the goal of the game with a looping sliced shot from the top of the circle, and Lily Elgendy polished off the goal scoring spree with one of her own first-time connections.
Alice Bishop had to leave the party before the end as she was umpiring a match back at Mill Farm and Ava Lovell showed great promise and speed driving through the midfield and forward line.
The team played with great flare at times and only allowed the opposition a couple of goals when players were switched and tested in new positions. Poor Cora Sweeney in goals did not see much action and was cold when they launched their attacks.
Fran Loffler-Thompson, Farzana Choudhury and Faith Mcgillivray held a strong defensive unit, most of the time, and the rain held off until the final whistle.
The 7-2 win was well deserved against a team we always enjoy playing against. They enjoy playing us too which makes for a great atmosphere and match!
Players and a good number of supporters left in good spirits having watched a fine display from our youngest stars!
Leyland & Chorley 2 2-2 Fylde 1
Fylde Men were focussed on winning against top of the table Leyland & Chorley 2’s, after feeling they were unlucky to lose the first fixture at Mill Farm early in the season. They arrived bright and early for the 10.30am start at Buckshaw Village and were raring to go at the start.
Fylde passed well and had good possession in the first half, but couldn’t quite make inroads with several shots being saved by the Leyland keeper or crosses going across the D without anyone in position to take advantage.
Leyland also had some dangerous attacks and won a couple of short corners, but saves from Craig Nutter kept them out.
One particular Leyland defender seemed to be using his bulk and pushing into some of the younger Fylde players, but when Oli van Rijn gave a shoulder back he was the one given the green card, just on the cusp of half-time.
Fylde were happy to be patient and look for a winning goal during the second half. They had the perfect start, as Leyland’s pushback was forcefully pursued by Simon Holt who dispossessed the player and then ran unchallenged into the D. Rather than taking a shot into the advancing goalkeeper he calmly made a square pass to Charlie Oliver who made no mistake for Fylde to go 1-0 up.
Unfortunately the lead didn’t last long, as Leyland put some attacks of their own, and they managed to squeeze a pass through the defence from the right wing, with a striker able to deflect the ball into goal ahead of a defender.
The game became more end to end, although Fylde still had the majority of the attacks. There was more physical tackling and at one point that same notable defender aggressively squared up to Alan Simpson on the edge of the D, but no card was given. Minutes later Charlie Oliver was rightfully given a green card for a poor tackle from behind.
Leyland were awarded a short corner from unusual circumstances, as a Leyland hit was deflected off a Fylde stick outside of the D and looped up and down into the D, was deemed to be dangerous, but a short corner rather than a Leyland hit outside the D. Fylde defended a first attempt, but another corner awarded, and then a straight hit to the near post was deflected off the pitch by Tim van Rijn, however unfortunately although it hit his stick first it also hit his foot, and so a penalty stroke was awarded. Leyland made no mistake and so took an unlikely 2-1 lead.
Fylde knew that time was against them, but were determined not to lose, so attacked en masse. During one of the attacks captain Richard Clarke was clumsily tackled from behind and fell onto the floor, banging his head, so was subbed off with an ice pack, and a green card given to the offending Leyland player.
Many attacks were made to Leyland’s D and their goalkeeper was on top form saving several shots. However eventually Alan Simpson dribbled into the D and passed to Oli van Rijn to score and equalise at 2-2.
Fylde had the momentum and wanted the win but there wasn’t enough time left and Leyland were cleverly trying to keep possession and wind the clock down. The game ended 2-2 but a good competitive game for both sides (which is a rarity in this peculiar division) but it was Fylde who felt that they’d missed an opportunity.
Simon Holt was voted the Man of the Match for his excellent running, tackling and distribution in midfield.
Next week sees another key match when 2nd placed Kendal 2 come to Mill Farm.
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