Whitchurch Men’s 2s 7 Lymm Men’s 4s 2
Once again Whitchurch were able to field a full complement of players and immediately took control of the game, but despite creating a number of chances Whitchurch were caught out by a Lymm breakaway with the ball fired into the net off the crossbar. Whitchurch responded immediately through excellent play from Craig Hockenhull leading an equaliser.
Whitchurch continued to create chances and duly took the lead with a fierce shot from Alex Fry. Lymm however continued to cause problems on the break by leaving a number of players high up the pitch. Iain Bones and Ryan Murtagh broke up a number of counter attacks, but Whitchurch were eventually undone by a well struck shot from a short corner.
Whitchurch continued to push forward and were ultimately rewarded when Ryan Murtagh fired Whitchurch in front on the stroke of half time. On the balance of play Whitchurch could consider themselves unfortunate to only be 3-2 ahead at the break.
Mindful of Lymm’s first half tactics, Whitchurch played a more controlled game of hockey in the second half and successfully restricted Lymm’s second half chances. However they were still grateful for some excellent goalkeeping from Paul Leigh – especially one excellent high save from a short corner – and a brilliant goal line clearance from Ryan Murtagh.
Going forward Whitchurch were always threatening with excellent interplay from Craig Hockenhull and Alex Fry, both of whom added second half goals. Further goals were added by Ellis Hickson and Iain Bones (who according to the umpire scored the best goal of the game).
Although Whitchurch ran out 7-2 victors, the margin of victory could have been greater, with the Lymm goalkeeper making some excellent second half saves, including a triple save from Ellis Hickson and Aaron Swain and a brilliant interception that sent Aaron Shackleton flying.
Whitchurch’s young players, Josh Parry, Aaron Swain and Jake Wood all had excellent games, guided by the experience of Alex Fry, Craig Hockenhull and Iain Bones. Ellis Hickson ran tirelessly up front, as did Aaron Shackleton on the left wing. Richard Leigh and Doug Buckeridge both worked hard to repel Lymm’s attacks and assist in Whitchurch’s attacking play.
Due to Wrexham and Liverpool Sefton dropping out of the league and the subsequent removal of their 9-1 and 10-0 victories against these sides, the result leaves Whitchurch in 8th place in the table with 9 points from 9 games.
The 2nds are at home to Winnington Park 4s next week.
Whitchurch ladies 2s 1 Golborne ladies 2s
Whitchurch Ladies 2s entertained Golborne this weekend in an unfortunate loss. From the start both sides knew it was going to be a long game, with the rain lashing down.
Golborne picked up two early goals but Whitchurch bounced back and debutant Meg Oldham who had returned after a break, scored Whitchurch’s one and only goal.
Whitchurch went into half time 2-1 down. Despite the weather conditions they had a very uplifting talk.
The second half saw the best efforts from Wendy Cooper, Emma Clarke and Mel Reid who fought to keep the ball out of Whitchurch’s goal. Golborne kept on coming strong scoring 5 more goals. Keeper Shola Bailey saved some good attempts from Golborne’s side.
There were many attempts on goal from Whitchurch who used the width of the pitch to get the ball up to the attack to the the ball into Golborne’s dee but could not convert
Whitchurch thought that they had another chance when centre forward, Ashleigh Heath who ran the ball into the dee and was just shy of the goal when she was taken out of the game by the keeper, although the ball was already out of play.
Jess Kimberley was awarded player of the match.
Whitchurch 2s will be travelling to play against Runcorn ladies 2 away next week at 12:30.
Lymm ladies 5s 2 Whitchurch ladies 1s 8
Whitchurch ladies travelled to Lymm for the game on Saturday for what turned out to be a very eventful day. The weather conditions played a big part in the match as the rain became heavier through the game.
Whitchurch started strong and within ten minutes Emma Harper opened the scoring with a strike from the edge of the dee, this was quickly followed by another by Harper from a short corner.
Whitchurch kept the pressure on and Sue read scored twice, after captain Catherine Winter- Gresty provide two great passes.Catherine then scored herself tapping in a raised ball passed in from Harper taking the score to five. Just before half time Lymm got one back, the rain was by then having a big affect with a lot of water of the pitch and the ball not running as fast as normal causing players from both teams to slip over.
After a quick half time break under umbrellas, Lymm came out and keeper Gwyneth Thomas-Rees had a couple of great saves, then defender Gayle Ladd cleared two from the goal line. Whitchurch pushed forward and Jane Williamson passed a short ball to Sue Read for the next goal, and Emma Harper quickly scored again to complete her hatrick.
At the other end of the pitch Lymm forced keeper Gwyneth to do another great save, but in the process badly injuring her ankle, forcing her to go off. Gayle Ladd quickly stepped forward to act as kicking back and the defence did a sterling job. Lymm did manage to score one more, but then towards the end of the game Lisa Sullivan took the ball into the Dee and took the ball around several defenders to score the final goal leaving Whitchurch with a happy 8-3 winning score. Both teams I think we’re glad to hear the final whistle as the rain kept pouring down.
The drama continued after the final whistle with keeper Gwyneth in considerable pain and shock an ambulance was called to take her to A&E accompanied by captain Cath, thanks to Vicky Price and Jane Williamson for following them to bring Cath home. Luckily after X- Ray’s the result was a badly sprained ankle not a break which was at first feared.
Whitchurch play Triton 3s at home next week.
Mossley Hill Mens 3s 1 Whitchurch Mens 1s 7
Whitchurch travelled to Liverpool for another well deserved win against a promotion contenders Mossley. A hard fought game saw Whitchurch run out winners with goals from Tom Leonard (4), Joe Nicholson, Ben Kimberley and Tom Forester.