Bloxwich Men’s Fathom 6 – Whitchurch Men’s Fathom2

The Whitchurch Fathoms set out to Bloxwich without their most experienced players.

Playing 10-a-side in the first half, Whitchurch got off to a good start with an Ellis Hickson goal in the first five minutes.

However after a well placed short corner and a goal in open play, Bloxwich ended the first half 2 – 1 up.

Starting the second half with just 9 players after Aaron Shackleton took a stick to the face, the Whitchurch Fathoms were always going to be on the back foot against an experienced Bloxwich team.

Spirited defence from Doug Buckeridge and Richard Leigh, good goal keeping from Neil Jones and positive attacking play from Ben Fry, Ben Kimberley and Ellis Hickson meant the Fathoms kept themselves in the game for most of the second half. A further goal from Ellis Hickson brought the score to 4 – 2 with 10 minutes to play. With a man-down, Whitchurch gave Bloxwich too much open space in mid-field enabling them to take two extra goals before the final whistle.

The 6 – 2 score line flattered the Bloxwich side in what was a close fought game against a largely in-experienced Whitchurch side.

Whitchurch Men’s 1s 2 Evesham Men’s 1s 3

Whitchurch played hosts to Evesham, who beat the reds 3-0 in the reverse fixture, however were 5 points behind the reds in the league before the match.

The match started very sloppy for the reds, with a number of missed placed passes and missed tackles allowed the visitors to take the initiative and went 2-0 up early in the match.  After the second Evesham goal went in, the reds started to improve and started to put more pressure on the Evesham defence. The reds got a goal back before half time, with a Ben Lea drag flick from a penalty corner; the match was 2-1 at half time.

In truth it was a disappointing first half for the reds and the visitors were deserved to be ahead at that point.

The second half started well for the home side, with them keeping good possession and putting pressure on the Evesham defence, however the next goal in the game went to Evesham and put them 3-1 up.  The reds then started to push more men forward in chase of the next goal with both teams creating good chances.  About 10 minutes from the end the home team scored there second goal again from Ben Lea drag flick.  Then for the remaining time in the match the reds went chasing an equaliser and went close with the last hit of the game hit against the post.

In truth the reds didn’t really deserve anything from the match and Evesham deserved the 3 points, but the reds were left frustrated, as they knew they can play a lot better than they did.  They have two tough away matches at the weekend against Oswestry and Barlaston.

Whitchurch Men’s Fathoms 1            Aldridge & Walsall Fathoms 1

In what was one of the toughest games the Fathom have played this season they entertained the experienced Aldridge & Walsall team.

Aldridge started the quicker off the two teams as Whitchurch struggled to settle and get up to speed with the visitors passing and movement off the ball.

Whitchurch however stuck to the task off defending and disciplined marking and some luck restricted Aldridge to only a couple of opportunities in the first half which they failed to convert. Whitchurch had sporadic attacks but attacking as individuals enabled the Aldridge defence to easily stop any clear scoring opportunities.

The interval gave Whitchurch the opportunity to discuss their tactics for the second half and from the whistle they took the game to Aldridge. A Whitchurch error saw Aldridge awarded a penalty corner which they converted to give them the lead. Whitchurch stepped up their game and within minutes Craig Hockenhull drove into heart of the Aldridge defence to pick out Ellis Hickson to equalise. Whitchurch continued to pressure for the winner but in a complete reverse to the first half good defending and some luck meant Whitchurch couldn’t get the vital touch required for the win.

At the end both sides were happy with a draw in a hard fought and highly competitive match.

Warrington ladies 2s  0  Whitchurch  ladies 1s  1

It was the rematch against the team to which we suffered a 4-3 defeat earlier in the season. The strong line up was in positive spirits and a super team performance ensued. The game was end to end with both teams making good runs and taking advantage of any breaks in play. Whitchurch did look the stronger of the teams and had greater possession. Kate Goodwin bravely played on after a close range hit to her elbow (ouch!). Whitchurch’s hard work was rewarded half way through the first half when Lisa Sullivan’s penalty corner strike was deflected.

Warrington was a strong team and as a result Whitchurch couldn’t rest on their laurels in the second half. Solid defending from Gayle Ladd, Jane Williamson and Captain Catherine Reece-Gresty, good runs by Ellie Windsor down the left wing and confident keeping by Phoebe Jones (with one crucial save) meant Whitchurch held on to their lead until full time.

A Warrington short corner awarded with 9 seconds to go was tense to say the least. However Gayle coolly cleared the challenge, which led to a deserved victory for Whitchurch Ladies.

Next week the ladies 1s entertain Macclesfield 4s at home starting 12.30 and the 2s entertaining Neston 4s starting at 14.00.