Match Reports 4 Oct 2025
- Peter Latimer
- 33 minutes ago
- 9 min read
Storm Amy stopped the Ladies 1's opponents travelling to Mill Farm, but all the other games went ahead, with impressive wins for the Ladies 3's & 4's.
Fylde 1 1-2 Leyland & Chorley 2
Fylde Men had a record 16 players available for the first game of the day at Mill Farm, venturing out into the gusty winds in their brand new Sportsville-sponsored white shirts.
Fylde started strongly against Leyland & Chorley, with Harry Gordon and Simon Holt linking well in the centre, and up to striker Jay Mayne. Young legs were making opportunities on the wings, with attacks by Ed Jefferson, Charlie Oliver, Sam Asquith and Joe Shepherd who managed to win a short corner. This was converted by Harry Gordon with a forceful direct shot.
As Fylde started to rotate their players, and Leyland strengthened their side with subs, it was the visiting side who gained the upper hand. They counter attacked down the right wing and managed to get a cross into the D, where a Leyland player ran in front of defenders and keeper for a deflection into the goal.
Leyland could have taken the lead when they had a short corner deflection stopped mid-air on the goal-line by defender Pete Latimer, and even had to quickly clear the ball as it landed just in front of the goal-line, before any Leyland player could reach it.
After having saved a goal, Pete Latimer then ruined his performance by giving away the ball to a Leyland striker towards the beginning of the second half, with a badly struck pass around the defence, and the striker then found his spot when striking on his one -on-one with Craig Nutter in goal.
2-1 down but with most of the second half remaining, Fylde really should have scored at least one goal, if not several, with numerous shots on goal, some going inches wide of the posts, others being saved by a mighty performance from the Leyland keeper.
Despite fresh legs from all the substituting, and ending with the older more experienced players, Fylde could not find a way to score, and finished very disappointed by the result.
Didsbury Greys 1 3-3 Fylde 2
On a miserable day across the country, Fylde 2s travelled to the Armitage Centre and got lucky to warm up and start the match dry. Both teams started well, and both had clear plans on how to win against the other!
Fylde were looking to continue their success from the previous week, and had a great team and were well organised ready for the match!
Fylde had success down the left wing and made some great chances on Didsbury’s D. However Didsbury had a very strong midfield and used them well to connect with their forwards. This paid off after 10 minutes with a break through the middle that couldn’t be stamped out by Fylde, Didsbury lead 0-1.
Fylde didn’t let this affect them and continued positive attacking play. With great work down the right Jasmine Smith linked up with Megan Wildish who effectively smashed the ball into Didsbury’s goal. Level 1-1.
Didsbury were determined to go ahead again and continued to be strong through the middle of the pitch, Fylde struggling to control their nippy forward! After a number of well defended short corners Fylde started to build more momentum, this time the link came from the left, Chelsea Atkinson and Emma Savidge doing an amazing job and getting into the D, finally allowing the ball to fall to Megan Wildish who once again made no mistake and made Didsbury’s net bulge, 2-1.
Unfortunately Fylde couldn’t hold onto their lead and still struggling with Didsbury’s tricky forward, frustratingly went into half time 2-2.
With a few tweaks by LT and a positive push to keep going, the second half went much the same as the first, with both teams making chances, Fylde won a few short corners and one paid off, a broken down corner routine saw Jasmine Smith hit the back of the goal with a satisfying thud, 3-2.
Feeling confident Fylde pushed on but Didsbury seemed to have an extra push and with only 10 minutes to go levelled up the score with some individual skills from their forward, 3-3.
The last few minutes saw so much pressure from Didsbury as Fylde struggled to look after the ball. Then more short corners to defend right up to the final whistle! Fylde hung on to the draw, but lots to work on for next week!!
Fylde 3 5-2 Lytham St Annes 1
This week's fixture was under threat due to Storm Amy but with several pitch inspections throughout the day thankfully the game was given the green light to go ahead and Fylde Ladies 3s got the match underway with a determined start.
From the very first whistle, Fylde displayed grit and composure, quickly settling into their game plan which was to push Lytham into their own half. Crisp passing around the back created early space down the line, where Sophia Melling then drove forward and delivered a well executed ball to Issy Gut who calmly slotted it home to give Fylde a 1-0 lead within the opening three minutes.
Continuing their high press and executing tactics perfectly, just two minutes later, Sophia Melling doubled the score line with an excellent finish.
Dominance from Fylde’s midfield proved crucial, with numerous turnovers and long balls down to the forwards to create attacking threats throughout the game. Fylde earned a short corner and although Hermione Edwards’ initial powerful strike was saved, Abbie Southern quickly reacted, as the keeper deflected the ball in her direction, by firing the ball across the D to Abi Wensley to finish with a sharp one touch shot. 3-0 to Fylde.
Lytham had moments of attacking pressure however Fylde’s defence held strong and both Abbie Southern and Lauren Mayor calmly intercepted the ball on many occasions to deny them of any real chances on goal. The back four also handled a series of shot corners confidently and cleared the danger wide.
Just before half time, Natalie Smith dribbled Into the D, confidently taking on Lytham’s centre back before firing a pass through to Sophia Melling who deflected the ball into the goal to claim her second goal of the match which extended the lead to 4-0 just before half time.
Fylde came out strong again in the second half and within the first minute, Abi Wensley found the net once more to make it 5-0.
However Lytham did start to adapt, reading Fylde’s long- ball approach and gaining more possession than in the first half. A scrappy goal saw Lytham get on the scoreboard, but Fylde remained composed and continued to push forward.
Hermione Edwards and Megan Hartley-Smith worked hard down the lines whilst Lydia Hayhurst provided strength and control in the middle, and also executed an incredible reverse hit shot, that had been practiced during the week at training, that bounced off the post but nearly bagged Fylde another goal.
Despite creating further chances, Fylde found it harder to break through the more resilient Lytham defence. Late in the game, Lytham managed to grab a second goal but Fylde held firm to secure a well-earned 5-2 victory.
This win keeps Fylde Ladies 3s at the top of the league as they head into game week 5, a crucial clash against second in the league Penrith with momentum building and confidence high, Fylde will be aiming to continue their strong run and secure another important result.
This team continues to grow in strength and unity, proving each week that their hard work and determination is paying off. Player of the match this week was awarded to Abbie Southern for her solid defending and reading of the game from the back. Unfortunately the stellar performance was cut short due to her getting injured from a trailing stick on the nose late in the second half. Luckily no lasting damage, but high praise from the team for putting her body on the line! A real captain's performance.
DoD - Abbie Southern - Getting injured.
Garstang 3 0-3 Fylde 4
Fylde rocked up to a very windy Garstang on Saturday afternoon, mostly grateful it wasn’t also raining. Once we’d managed to all be in the same changing room, Sharron talked through the strategy and after an energetic warm up to Rihanna’s “Umbrella” we were raring to go.
Fylde started with the ball and stormed up the pitch in determination to immediately attack Garstang’s circle, after a couple of shots, Hollie Twose powered the ball into the inside of the post and scored our first goal of the game in less than a minute! The elation was palpable and unleashed the outcome Fylde had been working so hard for.
As the first half progressed, play became very rushed, Fylde trying to build on their lead and Garstang preventing us from doing so. Zoe Kirkham displayed solid defensive skills alongside Olivia Hartley-Smith and Evie Bromley at the back, denying Garstang any real chances.
4s welcomed Alyssa Woodman, who upon receiving the ball at halfway, promptly dribbled around five Garstang players to take on the keeper one on one, the shot went wide but this buoyed Fylde on further.
The second half saw Fylde slow things down, Izzie Thompson took control in the midfield giving opportunities for Isla Carter, Alys Williams and Emily Finney to drive up the pitch to the forwards waiting in the circle. Fylde won a number of short corners, one of which was owned by Olivia Hartley-Smith who sent a deceptive ball to the far post where Sophia Taylor dutifully deflected it in (just as we practised at training).
Fylde had their rhythm now, passing the ball around the back to give breathing room then chasing up the wings using the legs of Sara Tomlinson and Leah Richmond. Sara did find the backboard but unfortunately the whistle blew half a second before she took her chance and it didn’t count officially.
Garstang had their break away chances and a couple of sneaky runs caught Fylde off guard and meant Faye Jackson stepped out of goal to clear the ball and thwart any potential opposition goals. A short rain shower towards the end of the game couldn’t dampen our spirits and as Fylde dominated and grew in confidence, Sophia Taylor scored again much to the delight of the team.
Fylde walked off the pitch with heads held high, finally seeing that winning scoreline that has been overdue and well deserved!
Fylde 5 1-3 Lytham St Annes 2
A newly assembled 5s team arrived eager to fight for a win despite the wind.
A strong start from the team saw us regularly push up the pitch and present a threat to goal. However Lytham’s pressure off the ball forced us to play faster than we're used to, and we ended up defending multiple long corners. Still to no success for Lytham though, as our defence including Dawn Perruzza, Tiana Moseley and Sienna Kitson held strong. A scrappy goal put us 0-1 behind with minutes to go until the half time whistle.
Fylde’s midfield responded with smart use of space and determination to run against the wind, to get us back up the pitch, Evie Green and Sadie Atkinson putting in solid shifts. Our forwards won us two short corners just before the half time whistle giving us an opportunity to have a crack back at them, with a goal narrowly missed by Niamh Smith on the slip.
A few Haribo and a rousing battle speech at the break sent Fylde on stronger and feeling motivated. However it seems as though Lytham must have had something stronger as they came back hard in the 2nd half. Despite more controlled play from Fylde, and multiple opportunities in the opposition D, we lost concentration and conceded.
A tired set of legs pushed on in midfield and attack, giving us a last hope. A cracking short corner take from Tiana, deflected by Jess Grice got us back on the scoreboard with minutes to spare.
A well matched and fought game, but Lytham just managed to run away with it. Well played 5s- a great game all round !
Chorley Phoenix Dev't 2-1 Fylde 6 Development
On paper it was an unfair contest but Fylde 6’s, with 3/4 of their team being 12/13yr olds, were by far the better team on the day and felt robbed of victory!
Chorley Phoenix Development fielded a team of new-to-hockey adults with a few experienced regulars to guide their new recruits.
Fylde dominated possession, peppering the goal throughout the match, but the experienced Phoenix goalkeeper played well under pressure.
Samira Baki, Amelie Horabin, Imogen Todd, Freya Wood, Blythe Ralston and Esme Bradley all made good debut appearances in a team that changes weekly.
Four adults balanced our Fylde team nicely with goalkeeper-turned-striker, Alice Bishop, opening the scoring in the first half with her first ever Club goal!
Phoenix were fortunate to draw level in the first half and fought hard in the second half but Fylde’s defence remained strong and determined.
Good defensive performances by Captain on the day Penny Atkinson, Elizabeth Porter, Samira Baki and Amelie Horabin kept the score close until Phoenix took the lead through a well drilled attacking routine from their experienced players.
Cora Sweeney deserved Player of the Match with a fine kicking display in goal, and the team move forward in the knowledge that areas for improvement will be addressed on the training ground.
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