Match Reports 7 Nov 2026
A fine away win for the Ladies 1s, and another win for the Ladies 2s in the start of the home triple-header against CBN, but unfortinately both Mens teams lost their respective games by a single goal
Newcastle University 1 0-1 Fylde 1
Fylde HC Women’s 1s made the trip to Newcastle University full of confidence, looking to maintain their unbeaten record away at Newcastle. And they did just that, producing a determined team performance to come away with a well-earned 1-0 victory.
Fylde started brightly, creating a couple of early opportunities, but the Newcastle goalkeeper was on hand to make some good saves. At the other end, Newcastle had chances of their own, but Katie Barker was alert between the posts, making some important stops to keep the scores level.
Fylde's pressing was causing Newcastle plenty of problems, making it difficult for the hosts to play out from the back. Nicky Kellett was causing havoc up front, creating a number of dangerous moments and going close herself on a couple of occasions. She almost set up Rebecca Worthington, whose deflection was brilliantly saved by the Newcastle keeper.
As the game progressed, Newcastle looked to find a way forward, but Vicky Rukin was outstanding at the back, reading the game brilliantly and cutting out any danger before it could develop.
With the scores still 0-0 at half-time, Fylde came out determined to find the breakthrough. Jessica Wharton was making life difficult for the Newcastle defence, and when Kellett fired a dangerous ball across the D, Wharton looked set to tap home before being fouled. The umpire awarded a penalty flick, and Vicky Rukin stepped up confidently, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way before calmly slotting the ball into the side netting to make it 1-0 to Fylde!
Fylde continued to push for a second, with midfielders Jasmine Carey, Steph Heaps and Lisa Perry working tirelessly and creating some excellent opportunities for the forwards. Sophia Melling also made some fantastic runs to stretch the Newcastle defence and keep the pressure on.
Newcastle pushed hard for an equaliser in the final quarter, but Fylde remained compact and organised, with every player putting in a shift defensively. Sophia Murray, Lucy Partington, Rosie Atkinson and Jasmine Smith all played their part in keeping Newcastle at bay.
The final few minutes brought another test as Fylde were reduced to 10 players and had to defend several Newcastle penalty corners. However, the defensive unit held firm, showing great determination and composure to see out the game and secure all three points.
A fantastic team performance, a clean sheet and another successful trip to Newcastle. The travelling Fylde side head home with plenty to be pleased about and their unbeaten away record against Newcastle University 1s firmly intact!
Fylde 2 3-1 Clitheroe Blackburn Northern 1
After going 1–0 down to Clitheroe Blackburn, the girls showed great determination, teamwork and fighting spirit to turn the game around and come away with a fantastic 3–1 win!
Clitheroe started strongly and took the lead, but Fylde kept their heads up.
The defence of Phoebe Bolton, Jayne Wilson, Donna Hurd and Lauren Mayor were solid throughout, making some great tackles, winning the ball back and playing some lovely passes out from the back to get Fylde moving forward.
There was some fantastic link-up play across the pitch, with Hermione Edwards, Fran Moore, JJ Jennings and Holly Farquharson working brilliantly together in midfield, moving the ball quickly, finding space and linking up well with the forwards. Some lovely passing combinations helped Fylde build momentum and put Clitheroe under pressure, with Dawn Child getting us back on level terms with a great finish to make it 1–1!
Fylde continued to grow into the game, with the defence feeding the midfield and some great balls being played through to Chelsea Atkinson, Camilla Wyles, Emma Savidge and Keira Tomes, who were constantly on the move and creating space. Some attacking play saw Emma play a ball into Chelsea, who finished to put Fylde 2–1 ahead!
The passing and movement continued, with everyone working hard to keep possession and create opportunities. Hermione, Fran, JJ and Holly kept things ticking over in midfield, linking up nicely with both defence and attack. Fylde’s pressure paid off again from a penalty corner, with Holly reacting brilliantly to put the rebound back in and extend the lead to 3–1!
The whole team continued to work hard, with Phoebe, Jayne, Donna and Lauren keeping things tight at the back, the midfield battling for every ball and the forwards making some runs to keep Clitheroe under pressure.
A real team performance from start to finish, with some fantastic passing, great movement off the ball, strong defending and plenty of determination to come back from a goal down. This win sees Fylde ladies 2s now share top of the table with the Welsh. 👊🏻
Formby 1 7-0 Fylde 3
Fylde endured a difficult afternoon as they faced a 7-0 defeat against Formby.
From the first whistle, Formby looked determined to take control of the game, putting Fylde under pressure and making it difficult for them to settle into their shape. Despite their best efforts, Fylde struggled to contain Formby’s attacking threat, taking full advantage of their opportunities in front of goal.
As the game progressed, Formby continued to dominate possession and create chances, adding further goals to their tally. Fylde battled hard throughout but were unable to find a breakthrough of their own, with Formby proving too strong on the day.
Despite the disappointing result, we will look to put the performance behind us, learn from the experience and respond positively in our next fixture.
Kirkby Stephen 2 4-1 Fylde 4
Fylde 4s travelled to Kirkby Stephen with just 11 players and no substitutes, knowing it would be a tough afternoon with everyone needing to put in a big shift against the team second in the league!
Despite the final 4–1 scoreline, the result certainly didn’t reflect the game, with Fylde showing plenty of determination, teamwork and some excellent hockey throughout.
Fylde got off to a fantastic start, with some lovely linking play across the pitch creating opportunities and putting Kirkby Stephen under pressure. The hard work paid off when Alyssa Woodman found the back of the net to give Fylde an early lead.
Kirkby Stephen had to really rally to get themselves back into the game, as Fylde continued to work hard and make life difficult for them.
There were some excellent individual performances across the pitch. EJ Dunkerley was strong and composed at the back in defence, supported by Dawn Perruzza, Sienna Kitson, Evie Bromley and Evie Green, who all worked tirelessly to protect the goal. Faye Jackson put in a shift between the posts in goal and was unlucky against some of their shots, while Hollie Guthrie kept going through centre midfield to get the ball up to the forwards.
Further up the pitch, Alyssa Woodman and Penny Atkinson worked hard up front, supported by Niamh Smith and Sophia Taylor in right and left centre midfield, helping to create opportunities and keep the pressure on.
With no substitutes and everyone playing the full match, the team showed fantastic commitment, resilience and togetherness. The scoreline may have read 4–1, but it certainly didn’t tell the full story of a much closer and more competitive game.
Plenty of positives to take away, with great teamwork, some lovely hockey and a fantastic effort from all 11 players. Well done everyone
Lytham St Annes 2 2-1 Fylde 5
Fylde 5s arrived with a squad boosted by some additions with Jenny Strachan, Eloise Russell, Carrena Leverton and Fran Loffler-Thompson stepping in to help, alongside Nikki Richmond from the 4th team.
Fylde went into the fixture determined to take all three points, but unfortunately things didn’t quite go to plan. Lytham opened the scoring within the first 10 minutes, putting Fylde on the back foot early on.
Fylde looked to use their strength through the middle, with Leah Richmond, Ruby Roberts and Lily Elgendy working hard to create opportunities and feed the attacking half. However, despite the efforts, Lytham managed to find the back of the net again.
Fylde continued to push, winning three short corners in the space of four minutes. Unfortunately, none were converted, and the half-time whistle came with Fylde trailing 2–0.
At the half time talk, Alice Bishop, who stepped back into her keeper kit for the team, shared some fantastic observations and gave the team some valuable points to take into the second half.
Fylde took the feedback on board and came out with renewed determination. Nikki Richmond took control of the midfield, using her experience to guide the younger players, while Fran and Megan Eccles worked tirelessly at the back to shut down Lytham’s attacks, supported by Lola Cooper and Faith Mcgillivary.
Fylde’s hard work finally paid off! Good link-up play from Freya Wood and Lily Elgendy sent the ball through to Imi Todd, who took matters into her own hands. Carrying the ball from the halfway line, Imi made an excellent run before confidently finding the back of the net to put Fylde on the scoreboard.
Despite a strong second-half performance, the final whistle confirmed a 2–1 defeat for Fylde 5s.
Although the result wasn’t what the team had hoped for, Fylde can take plenty of positives from their second-half performance. Coach Fran recognised the significant improvement shown by the team and believes there is plenty more to build on as Fylde continue working towards adding valuable points to the table.
Preston Development P-P Fylde 6
Unfortunately anoyther game the Ladies 6's had to cancel due to lack of players with injuries, illness and school matches.
Fylde 1 3-4 Clitheroe Blackburn Northern 2
Fylde knew they would have a tough game against Blackburn, who beat them convincingly in a pre-season friendly and are performing well in the league.
Unfortunately Fylde conceded early, however they gained their composure and attacked down both wings. It wasn’t long before they won a short corner, and Connor Lasrado picked his spot and fired off an unstoppable shot.
Striker Tom Lumby pulled up with a hamstring injury, taking him out of the match, and leaving Fylde with just one sub to rotate.
Blackburn scored again before the break to take a 2-1 lead into halftime.
Fylde were up for the contest but didn’t help themselves by conceding in the first minute of the second half, following a mistake with a defensive clearance.
Two goals down, but with plenty of time, Fylde kept attacking with Simon Holt and Charlie Oliver in midfield and Harry Gordion up top. They won another short corner and again Connor Lasrado stepped up and worked his magic, finding a different spot in the goal to target, reducing the deficit to a single goal.
However, Blackburn kept up their pressing and attacking, and won a short corner from which after an initial save by Joe O’Brien the resulting goalmouth scramble was won by a Blackburn attacker who poked the ball into the goal ahead of anyone else.
Two goals behind again, with not much more than 10 minutes of the game remaining, but Fylde marched up the pitch, Luke Hitchen had possession of the ball and into the D at the top, swivelled and turned letting off a shot into the corner of the goal.
Fylde looked for the late equaliser but it wasn’t to be, with the 4-3 win going to Blackburn.
Simon Holt was voted Man of the Match for the second match in succession for his tireless work in midfield.
Fylde 2 Devt 3-4 Clitheroe Blackburn Northern 4 Devt
With Fylde & Blackburn’s development teams playing each other directly after their 1st and 2nd teams had played each other, it was no surprise that there was some doubling up of players, although for Fylde it was just one teenager and an emergency sub (who wasn’t required) whereas Blackburn had a handful of experienced players.
Fylde’s mix of young and old players gelled well together and had the better of the opening exchanges, with several half-chances. Adam Taylor, on his first ever league game, found himself with the ball in the D but couldn’t quite get his shot away. Charlie Rowe had a good run down the left wing and a dangerous pass across the D but no one could get a touch on it.
However it was Blackburn’s 2nd team captain who chose to show off his striking ability with a spin and turn in the D to fire off a missile into the goal, which would have troubled most goalkeepers in Div 3N never mind a development keeper in Div 5N. He then followed up with another goal later in the half to give his team a 2-0 lead at half-time.
Fylde weren’t disheartened and were focussed on their own game and making the most of the possession they had, and what a second half they produced.
Ralph Baron was attacking down the right wing and he found himself with the ball in the D, had a shot on goal, and to his great surprise the goalkeeper missed it and the ball slid into the corner.
Minutes later, it was Alfie Smith’s turn to show off his skills in the D with a well placed shot, to equalise at 2-2.
Blackburn retook the lead at a short corner where they slipped the ball to the left and found the goal from an angle.
Evan Allday, Jamie and Teddy Rowe worked well together in midfield and created many attacking opportunities, and it was Teddy Rowe who scored Fylde’s 3rd goal to again level up the game.
Josh Bywater coped well in his first game as a centre back, alongside veteran Phil Weir, marking some adult players twice his size.
The game looked to be ending in a 3-3 draw, but Blacburn earned a late short corner, the final whistle was blown, meaning this set piece would end the match, and unfortunately for Fylde, Blackburn managed to scramble the ball into the goal to seal the victory they had come for.
Joint Man of the Match for Ethan Morris with some vital saves as goalkeeper, and Ralph Baron for his attacking down the wing.
(for the ornithologists)
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