Match Reports 7 & 8 Mar 2026
- 9 hours ago
- 11 min read
The Ladies 2's run the top 2 teams in their division close in the 2 league games they played over the weekend but unfortunately don't pick up any points. Meanwhile the Ladies 1's and Mens 1's continue their winning form.
Fylde 1 3-2 Whitley Bay & Tynemouth 1
On Saturday Fylde 1st team welcomed Whitley Bay to Mill Farm in what always proves to be tough, physical game.
Fylde struggled to start with their usual dominance, but by the second quarter were playing some lovely hockey in spells, and were unlucky not to have scored when Nicky Kellet struck the post and Megan Wildish missed an open back post opportunity.
The third quarter brought more opportunities which resulted in two goals for Fylde, one from player of the match Jess Wharton, and the second from the ever dangerous Nicky Kellet.
With only 8 minutes left on the clock, Whitley Bay scored on the counter attack, and were awarded a penalty corner only moments later which they converted to make it 2-2.
Fylde were not to be deterred, and after Nicky Kellet went round the keeper and was about to tap the ball into an open goal, she was fouled and a penalty stroke was awarded. Kellet produced an excellent finish under pressure, and Fylde saw the remaining minutes out to win 3-2.
Fylde are now up to 3rd in the league after a strong run of results in February.
Fylde 2 0-2 Macclesfield 1
Fylde Ladies 2s faced a tough challenge on Saturday as they hosted second-placed Macclesfield, eventually falling to a 2–0 defeat despite a spirited performance.
Going into the match, Fylde knew they would be up against a strong side, but a positive display in the reverse fixture earlier in the season gave them confidence that they could take something from the game. Macclesfield started at a high tempo, showing intensity, physicality and a clear determination to secure all three points.
Fylde responded brilliantly in the first half, defending with discipline and making it difficult for Macclesfield to break through. While the visitors pushed hard, Fylde held their shape well and limited clear opportunities. Fylde also found some joy attacking down the right flank, though they were unable to truly test the Macclesfield goalkeeper. The sides went into the break level at 0–0, giving Fylde plenty of belief heading into the second half.
As the game wore on, however, the relentless pressure from Macclesfield began to tell. Fylde started to tire and the visitors’ well-drilled side continued to push forward. The breakthrough came when a mistake at the back allowed Macclesfield to break through on goal and neatly flick the ball past a helpless Sophie Slawson in the Fylde goal.
Macclesfield doubled their lead later in the half after working the ball from left to right, and some sharp individual skill from their forwards enabled them to get past Fylde’s defence and beat Sophie for a second time.
Despite the result, Fylde fought hard until the final whistle and can be proud of the effort and determination they showed against one of the league’s strongest teams.
Fylde 2 0-1 Didsbury Northern 2 (Sunday)
Fylde Ladies 2s put in a fantastic performance against league leaders Didsbury Northern but were unlucky to come away with a narrow 1–0 defeat.
After a tough and tiring match the day before, Fylde were grateful to have some fresh legs available. With the welcome return of Emma Savidge and a full squad to choose from, the team were determined to put in a strong performance — and they did exactly that.
The first half saw fast, end-to-end hockey, with Fylde often looking the more likely side to break the deadlock. The forwards linked up well and created several positive opportunities in front of goal, with Emma Savidge coming closest after narrowly missing the target. Despite Fylde’s attacking intent, they remained alert at the back as Didsbury threatened on the counterattack. On the occasions they broke through, Fylde’s defence stood firm and Sophie Slawson dealt confidently with anything that came her way.
However, just before half time Didsbury earned their third short corner of the match and demonstrated why they sit top of the league. With a well-drilled and expertly executed routine, the ball was deflected into the net to give the visitors a 1–0 lead going into the break.
The goal didn’t dampen Fylde’s spirits at all. The team felt they were firmly in the match and, after a few instructions at half time, they returned to the pitch determined to get something from the game.
The second half continued in much the same fashion, with both sides producing end-to-end play. Fylde created more chances but, in a story that has been all too familiar this season, they were just unable to find the finishing touch. Fylde also won a number of short corners but unfortunately couldn’t make them count on the day.
Despite the final score finishing 1–0 to Didsbury Northern, it was a performance Fylde can be incredibly proud of. The opposition were very complimentary after the match and surprised to hear Fylde’s league position after the quality of hockey the team had produced.
Another frustrating afternoon with no points, but a superb team performance and effort from start to finish. Proud captain alert!
Fylde 3 8-0 Lancaster & District 2
The girls went into Saturday’s match with strong mindsets, hoping to come away with another win.
Fylde started strong, pressing high and putting lots of pressure on the opposition. 4 minutes in they were awarded with a short corner where Olivia John-Haslam and Abbie Southern worked the ball between themselves and Olivia slotted the ball into the left hand side of the goal to open the score sheet early.
The 3s continued to show great tactical play, passing the ball through the midfield with great composure and into the D to create lots of attacking opportunities.
At 13 minutes, Abbie Warburton dribbled through the entirety of the opposition defence skilfully to get Fylde another short corner. The ball came out to Sophia Melling who obliterated the ball from the top D straight onto the backboard, the score line 2-0!
Minutes later, Natalie Smith landed with the ball in the middle of the field and drove the ball through to Olivia John-Haslam, the ball was then placed perfectly for Sophia Melling to whack it into the goal again. 3-0!
Yet again, minutes later, Abbie Warburton stormed through the middle of the defence and slapped the ball into space for Jessica Jennings to slide through and divert the ball into the goal. 4-0!
However, she then gets a whollop on the head in return and spent the rest of the match spectating for the bench.
The 3s press was working immensely well this week, with every player setting up early and communicating with each other to ensure the ball couldn’t pass through.
All the girls went into half time with big smiles on their face, with not much to change, they headed back out determined to slot the ball away a few more times and…they did just that!
Megan Hartley-Smith passes the ball to Natalie Smith who finds space on the right hand side of the D and fires the ball in the air towards goal, narrowly missing the top corner.
The ball got played out from the back, to Olivia John- Haslam who megsed the defender to find Megan Hartley-Smith, she then drove the ball down the baseline and connected with Sophia Melling who smoothly found the backboard once again, an incredible textbook goal. 5-0! The crowd went wild!
A few minutes later, Natalie Smith almost identically drove the base line however, after a few rebounds off the keeper the ball landed with Olivia John-Haslam to reverse it into the goal for the 3s 6th goal!
Fylde were awarded more short corners throughout the match, Abbie Warburton injected the ball fiercely to top D, Sophia Melling attempted another strike at goal with went wide to Abbie Warburton on post for a deflection but unfortunately it flew over the top.
Lancaster were awarded their own short corner which they executed with an attempt from top D which was saved effortlessly by Emily Byers, in her first touch of the match.
Fylde jumped back into action, with Olivia John-Haslam hassling in the D and reversing the ball towards the left hand post for Abi Wensley to touch the ball into the net with another of her Olympic style finishes. 7-0!
After three consecutive short corners, Fylde decided to change the routine. Abbie Warburton injected the ball to the left hand side of the D to Abbie Southern, she then blasted the ball into the back of the goal for Fylde’s 8th and final goal.
Lancaster broke through and scored a goal towards the end of the match which was overturned as the assisted ball came off the opposition’s foot.
Although Florence Worden attempted to make it 9-0 when she marched out of defence, finding herself in the opposite D and sky rocketing the ball, but unfortunate not to find the net.
This week’s performance was incredible from every single individual, they worked hard and put every ounce of effort in from beginning to end which reflected in their well-deserved score line.
Man of the match this week went to Olivia John-Haslam for her solid performance once again, and her incredible two goals.
DoD went to Flo Worden for missing her once in a blue moon chance at scoring and falling to her knees in despair, then to top it off proceeding to lose her gum shield from her mouth at the same time as trying to receive a ball.
The 3s go into next week’s game with desire to win the league 2 games in advance as they come up against Kirby Lonsdale away.
Fylde 4 1-4 Brookfield 1
Fylde 4s took on Brookfield 1 in a late afternoon fixture on Saturday.
A well executed short corner from Liv Hartley-Smith and Sophia Taylor landed an early goal for Fylde which held until half time.
After the restart, Fylde largely dominated until Brookfield broke through the midfield and defence to even the score.
This was the turning point of the game, where Brookfield’s experience outdid Fylde’s best efforts and Brookfield were able to monopolise with a further 3 goals in quick succession.
Fylde didn’t give up but couldn’t pull another back before the final whistle. A well fought game and a good opportunity for the 4s young team to learn from a solid adult opposition.
Lytham St Annes 2 5-2 Fylde 5
Fylde Ladies 5’s put in a determined performance against Lytham 2’s in what proved to be a tightly contested match from the very first whistle.
Lytham started strongly and managed to find the back of the net early on. However, Fylde responded brilliantly, showing great teamwork and persistence to level the score. A well-worked attacking move saw Fylde pull things back, with Eleanor Bullough getting on the scoresheet to bring the teams level.
The game continued to be end-to-end, with both sides creating chances. Lytham managed to edge ahead again with another goal, but Fylde refused to let the game slip away. Continuing to press forward and work hard across the pitch, Fylde were rewarded when Alyssa Woodman struck to equalise once more, making it 2–2.
Fylde worked tirelessly to keep Lytham at bay. Strong tackles, great marking and great communication helped limit chances, and the score remained 2–2 going into halftime after a huge team effort.
The second half began with Lytham once again finding an early goal. Despite Fylde’s continued determination and hard work across the pitch, Lytham capitalised on their chances and added two more goals as the half progressed.
Although the final score finished 5–2 to Lytham 2’s, the scoreline didn’t fully reflect the effort and determination shown by Fylde throughout the match. The team worked incredibly hard from start to finish and supported each other across the pitch.
Well done to the entire team for the fantastic effort and commitment they showed throughout the game.
Chorley Phoenix Development 0-9 Fylde 6 Development
Fylde started with a team of 10 to match the opposition whilst waiting for their 11th player to join, choosing to drop a forward and keep a strong defence in case it was needed. 7 minutes in and Imi Todd scored the first goal of the game proving that the forwards could hold their own. Shortly after Freya Wood scored and then followed up with another which meant that even with just ten players the confidence was with Fylde.
Lots of great passing, ball control and great positioning meant with the scores at 5-0 by half time Fylde certainly had a right to be proud.
In the second half both sides were able to have 11 players on pitch and Chorley Phoenix defence was noticeably stronger. This did not deter Fylde who carried on scoring.
It was disappointing that Ruby Roberts‘ aerial goal was disallowed as that would’ve been one for the books.
Fylde played heavily upfront and Cora Sweeney in goal likely felt pretty bored. The opposition’s goalie even kindly offered to swap at half time so Cora could get some game time but Cora wanted to stay with Fylde. We did appreciate the offer though.
Fylde defence played a lot higher than usual but were also able to get back in position when occasionally needed. Great positioning from everybody and really good passes all round. It really was a good game to watch and play.
Imi Todd scored a hat trick with Penny Atkinson and Freya Wood bagging a brace each, Esme Bradley and Ruby Roberts completing the haul.
Very impressed and proud to be a part of Fylde Hockey.
Lancaster University 2 2-4 Fylde 1
Fylde Men all but secured their 2nd place in the division with a 4-2 away win against the joint third placed team, Lancaster University 2’s, although had to battle back from being 2-1 down at half-time.
Having overcome the travesty of being charged for parking on a large expanse of loose gravel and the lack of toilet facilities (never mind changing rooms), clearly a disadvantage for older blokes with weak bladders, Fylde started brightly, won a short corner and took an early 1-0 lead with a straight strike by Harry Gordon which went through the goalkeeper’s legs much to his annoyance.
The Lancaster students showed how much they’d improved since the first game between the two sides last autumn as they pressed and attacked Fylde causing a lot of scrambling defence. Midway through the first half they won a short corner, which they took a firm strike straight onto Pete Latimer’s foot, as first runner. He perhaps made a mistake in admitting to the fact as the umpire seemed to have initially missed it, so another short corner was taken, and the same thing happened again. On the third attempt a strike was made with an initial save, but somehow Lancaster Uni scrambled the ball into the goal.
The students kept putting pressure on, outrunning some of the old legs in Fylde’s team, and took the lead with a cross within the D to a striker who eluded his defender to tap in at the back post.
Being 2-1 down, the Fylde team had a good talking to at half-time, and knew they had to increase their work rate and battle hard across the pitch.
Tim van Rijn showed the way with some robust tackling in midfield, Schalk De Wet both defended his right flank but also supported attacks in that direction, Charlie Oliver showed off his skills on his return following a nasty ball to the face during a training session, and Phil Hope was close to scoring on just his second game back after a lengthy spell away from the game.
Fylde put together more dangerous attacks, and a ball fell to Harry Gordon within the D who made no mistake with one of his powerful strikes to level up the game 2-2.
Lancaster continued to push, and there were several danger moments for Fylde, but they defended better as a team. Lancaster won a short corner, which was repelled, and the ball launched upfield to Luke Hitchen who was free and able to dribble into the D, and was then fouled by the goalkeeper leading to a penalty stroke being awarded. Harry Gordon duly scored for his hat-trick and more importantly to take Fylde into the lead.
Fylde were calmer on the ball, but determined to hang on to the narrow lead and not to concede, so it was a slight surprise when central defender Pete Latimer found himself in space on the right and able to take the ball just inside the D and a slightly mistimed tackle led to a short corner being awarded. Another Harry Gordon straight strike and another goal.
4-2 was the final score and Fylde were very glad to have survived the test with a win, and the whole squad enjoyed the sausages & chips back at the pub afterwards.
There were votes for many different individuals for Man of the Match, but it was deemed a tie between Harry Gordon and Schalk De Wet.
Comments