Fylde Ladies stay top of Conference North after 3 wins out of 3.
Bowdon 2 0-1 Fylde 1
Fylde Ladies 1st team were playing away at Bowden this weekend, and with both teams unbeaten in their first two games, it was set to be a fiercely contested match.
Bowden started the better of the two teams, winning an early PC which was well defended by Fylde. With the first quarter out the way, Fylde grew in confidence and early in the second quarter they created two dangerous attempts on goal. They were really unfortunate to have a goal disallowed, but it only took a couple more minutes before Vicky Rukin stole the ball in the middle of the pitch and took an early free hit, playing the ball into the circle to Jessica Wharton who found Keira Tomes at the back post for a tap in. 1-0 Fylde.
The second half was largely dominated by Fylde, Bowden had a couple of chances on the counter attack but GK Karen Wells made an excellent reaction save to keep it 1-0. Fantastic work rate from all the Fylde players meant they could comfortably see the game out and take all 3 points.
Fylde are top of the league with 3 wins out of 3 and yet to concede a goal. Player of the match was shared by captain Vicky Rukin and GK Karen Wells.
Kendal 1 1-5 Fylde 2
With a strong squad Fylde 2’s went into todays pre match talk really confident. Clear and concise words from Lisa Brown meant a great start to the match. Fylde moved the ball cleanly from the back to the front, right to left, resulting in many successful building moves seeing Fylde in Kendal's half and circle for long periods of the first half. However with Chelsea Atkinson and Frankie Margerison both hitting the post and the short corners not quite coming off, Fylde started to get a little frustrated.
Amelia Hatton and Lucy Wane working well together in the screen with excellent movement and offering important support to the players around them. Natalie Smith linking well with the forwards seeing more attacks into the circle this time Charlotte Lavin making the keeper pull off some fab saves. Unfortunately with a moment of hesitation from Fylde’s backs Kendal somehow managed to get past Michelle Longton! Making it 1-0. Nobody panicked and the goal didn’t change the way Fylde played, we stuck to the game plan and we soon got one back though a fab finish by Chelsea, 1-1. This success seemed to put an extra kick in the team and with a few important substitutions from Lisa, seeing an unusual sight with Jade Mottley in the circle who calmly put away a ping pong ball for Fylde’s second, 2-1.
Fylde continued to build from the back with Ariana Milligan, EJ Dunkerley and Sally Livesey moving the ball round the back quickly and safely, with great linking between Laura Knowles and Beth Ridsdale, Fylde pushed on Kendal’s circle again. More transfer round the back with an attack down the right a lovely ball in from Lucy and perfectly struck ball by Chelsea made it 3-1 at half time.
A few important half time words from Lisa ensured we had our focus going into the second half. With the press continuing to be effective due to excellent communication and understanding from everyone, Kendal could not cope with the continuing attacks. With pure determination Beth got the ball into the circle with the initial shot being saved Chelsea was able to get control of the ball and slot it away for 4-1.
Kendal did manage to get a few breaks away but these were dealt with by the defence, with clear instruction from Michelle everyone knew their roles. The defence worked the ball out really well, linking with midfield to once again create attacking chances. With 10mins to go Fylde had a their eyes firmly on a fifth goal. Sophia Murray, building in confidence, commanded the right defence and linked well with Katie Forde, this seeing yet another attack from back to front, Katie managed to get the ball round the back and across the goal, unfortunately nobody could get on it. A nearly identical attack through Arianna, Laura and Beth on the left seen the keeper again make a few decent saves but as the ball went loose, Frankie managed to get it through the defence and hit the back board, final Score 5-1.
A brilliant effort and determination from all, well deserved win.
Fylde 3 4-1 Carlisle 2
Having a strong squad this weekend along with substitutes, Fylde 3’s approached the game with confidence and feeling a win. Pre match talk was delivered by Adrian encouraging all players to keep the shape and to keep the ball on our strong side.
Initially Fylde 3’s seemed a tad disorientated, this soon changed after scoring the first goal of the game by Aimee Perruzza, who had the space to slap the ball in, convincingly hitting the back board. Within a minute after Fylde made some substitutions, Carlisle scored. Fiona Quarmby with determination managed to get a goal in before half time, after having some struggle with deflections of the keeper and players.
Half time soon approached, with the score being 2-1. Adrian commented making the team aware that the game wasn’t won just yet and that we needed to still work hard for the win. We did well with keeping the shape, we just needed to push up the pitch more.
It was Fylde 3’s who had the push back to start the second half, with the ball being played all the way to the back, there was excellent play by Abi Southern and Lauren Appleyard. Both Esther Thomson and Anna Vavaso both dominated the middle and took the ball up, continuously beating the opposition and getting into the D. It was only a matter of time before Anna was going to score, only 6 minutes into the second half, Anna took her opportunity and scored a well deserved goal. With not only the players cheering but also the spectators, it encouraged Fylde to carry on pushing.
Again having the ball come from the back, with brilliant tackles being put in by Gemma McConville, she was able to run up the right hand side line. A long corner was given to Fylde, Anna took the ball doing some lovely passing with Emily Greenwood. Emily and Abi Warburton both had a shot at the goal which were saved, but Issy Gut was just in the right spot at the right time to catch the deflection and score Fylde’s final goal of the day.
Player of the match was close this week, Esther Thomson had some last minute votes and rightfully so is this weeks MoM!
Fylde 3’s were over the moon with the first win of the season! It was such a fantastic environment being at home, having many supporters attending this weekend and having a WIN.
Fylde 5 1-4 Fylde 4
So many positives to take from this week- it began with the attitudes of the young ladies that turned up. They had respect for the well thought out team selections AND ACTUALLY WARMED UP!
First game for our Liddy (Eccles) stepping up to the captain's plate. She showed her leadership skills being supportive with her vocals, being flexible with positioning on the pitch, alongside having a cracking game herself. First game for Lottie Mackay after some time out, it was great to have you on board.
Although it was 100% team effort today we can't ignore Miss (Leah) Richmond potting all 4 goals! We had several more opportunities but the 5s keeper was on top form. All the young ladies (yes Liz including you) showed maturity and improvement from just the few games we've played this season. One player in particular being our player of the match -MJ (Melissa Johnson Parker)! Once again running her socks off giving 110%.
I thank you all for the active listening and positive attitudes towards being substituted. Enjoy the rest of your weekend (just after you give your availability for next week on Teamo).
Fylde 5 1-4 Fylde 4
Fylde 5th faced Fylde 4th team for their first league games as opposition teams. As the whistle blew, both teams set to, drawing on their training, keeping good formation and pushing the ball out wide. Despite keeping tight in the midfield and the defence pulling together, the 4s managed to work the ball around and into the back of the net giving them the lead.
The 5s kept their heads up, allowing the fire in their bellies to burn to keep the 4s working hard, breaking down their advances and forcing their defensive skills into action as the 5s made some good tackles and interceptions to gain possession.
Following a productive team talk and a burst of vitamin C courtesy of some orange slices, the 5s came back out ready for the challenge. Evelyn So and Hermione Edwards worked the ball on the right with Hermione’s run down the pitch finishing in the D with a solid strike and an impressive goal to the top left of the net.
Keeping up the pressure, the 5s repeatedly broke down play for the 4s, making them work for all of their advances but, despite our best efforts, the 4s succeeded in finding the back of our net a further 3 times, giving a final score of 1-4. Overall, an excellent, entertaining and well fought match.
Win as a team lose as a team.
Fylde 6 Development 1-1 Garstang Development
The serious games had been played and then the next generation of Fylde players arrived to show their talent! It’s difficult to position players when they all want to be strikers but that is the skill in blending new young players into club hockey. Garstang had a full bench of players whilst 3rd Team Captain Beth Wolstenholme acted as coach and seamlessly rotated our two reserves.
Garstang scored in the first half with a fortunate deflection past the mighty Phil Hancock in goal. She had very little action all game but stuck to the cause. The Fylde youngsters blended well with the three adult players and Bella Coupe-Carroll leapt with joy when she scored her first goal in her first match!
This is the perfect environment to develop new players and a great day against great opposition was enjoyed by players and spectators alike.
Garstang Development 0-8 Fylde Men
Fylde Men’s first away game of the season was in neighbouring Garstang, and they were pleased to be able to give young Oliver Van Rijn his debut for the team, alongside his father Tim for his second appearance.
The home team were mainly juniors, and so Fylde’s more experienced team dominated possession for the whole game. The first half saw a steady stream of goals from Chris Blackburn twice (in his last game before moving home to Chester), Phil Hope, Luke Hitchen and captain Richard Clarke.
Fylde looked to play more passing hockey in the second half, and with some resolute defending from Garstang, the next goal took a time to come, but there was no stopping Phil Hope scoring two more for his hat-trick, and could/should have scored more, plus another from Richard Clarke.
Player of the Match was awarded to Oliver Van Rijn for his outstanding performance on the right wing, attacking and defending.