Warrington Men’s 2s 0 Whitchurch Men’s 2s 3

Whitchurch travelled to Warrington for a rearranged fixture from before Christmas. The game started out with Warrington controlling play and dominating the younger Whitchurch team.

Whitchurch got drawn into the battle with Warrington in the first half which distracted Whitchurch from their normal passing game and it wasn’t until late in the half that Whitchurch took the lead through Will Edwards.

Captain Neil Jones gave a half time talk and the team responded in the second half. James Partington, Ollie Hogg and Lucas Hill in defence rode the tackles from the Warrington forwards and Whitchurch started to move the ball around in midfield through Nik Moga, Liam Pallet and Thomas Wyndham- Lewis this resulted in Craig Hockenhull picking out Will Edwards in the dee for his second.

Whitchurch started to have more time and space on the ball as Warrington tired and moved the ball quickly down both wings with Cian Hirst and Charlie Edwards causing the Warrington defenders many problems.

Whitchurch continued to push forward and both Joe Sheridan and Airan Jones were unlucky with shots on goal. It finally took some individual skill and luck by Oliver Edwards and Alfie Edwards down the right side of the pitch carving their way through the Warrington defence finally picking out Will Edwards in the dee and his shot took a wicked deflection in the air and over the stranded keeper.

Whitchurch finished the game with a clean sheet and a well-earned three points.

Winnington Park ladies development 3 Whitchurch ladies 3’s 1

This match was tough from start to finish with the ball travelling backwards and forwards up the pitch throughout. The girls were made to move by the opposition’s quick attackers. All the girls put in 100% and chased every opportunity. For the first time this season each tackle was faced with a little more force than usual and it proved fruitful as Whitchurch kept winning possession.

Whitchurch were 2-0 down at half time but the girls really pushed to keep in the game. With newcomer Megan Hayward scoring in the 66^th minute which was beautifully set up with a cross in from Izzy Gilbert and a sweeping ball behind the goalkeeper from Freya Kellett.

Goalie Alice Snaith was with her weight in gold again saving numerous strong shots on goal. The team is really bonding and some excellent passes were made accurately and created some good opportunities.

Whitchurch Ladies 1s 1 Wilmslow ladies 2s 3

Whitchurch took the game to Wilmslow from the off, passing and moving well around the pitch. Within 10 minutes, their dominance resulted in a short corner won by Lisa Sullivan running into the dee. Katie Laffey took a fantastic strike towards the corner of the goal only for it to be saved off the line by their defence.

Whitchurch carried on playing strongly all half with Hayley Kellett creating some great chances from her efforts in the middle of the pitch and Tilly James stopping numerous attacks down the right. Towards the end of the half, POM Hayleigh Busby made a stunning save off the line and the half ended at a very even 0-0.

In the second half, Whitchurch were caught out in the first 10 minutes. Wilmslow won a short corner and converted it after Whitchurch’s defender was penalised for running out too early. This made it tougher, but Whitchurch held their formation well. Caz Wynn kept them in the game with some fantastic saves! Unfortunately, Wilmslow were able to score from two more short corners against Whitchurch.

However, heads held high Whitchurch put pressure on the Wilmslow defence and through a run up the right by Cath Gresty, a pass through to Rachel Chesters and some one two’s between Jas Williams and Poppy Gilbert they created more chances. Poppy Huxley made some great runs up front and was unfortunate not to score as her flick hit the side netting. Minutes later, Holly Edwards narrowly missed out on a goal that almost crossed the line but a foul by Wilmslow resulted in a penalty flick. Poppy Gilbert stepped up and expertly flicked the ball into the top left corner. The game ended 3-1 but Whitchurch could take a lot of positives from how well they played.

Crewe Men’s 3s 5 Whitchurch Men’s 0

Whitchurch travelled away to take on the league leaders. From the start Crewe played the ball around and dominated possession but Whitchurch held firm frustrating the Crewe attacks.

Whitchurch broke against the run of play and Alfie Edwards shot just wide of the Crewe goal but Whitchurch chances were limited throughout the game

Whitchurch worked tirelessly throughout the game rolling players to maintain the level of effort, Craig Hockenhull, Airan Jones, Cian Hirst, Liam Pallet, Adam Rance and Nik Moga chasing down every Crewe attack.

Crewe were clinical and punished Whitchurch for any lapse of concentration or mistake and took a three-goal lead into the break.

The half time talk was positive and focused on doing the same things as the first half.

With the defence of Thomas Wyndham-Lewis, Lucas Hill, Archie Plews and Ollie Hogg making tackle after tackle Whitchurch stood firm for large parts of the game. With captain Neil Jones pulling off some excellent saves in goal.

Whitchurch put everything into the game and when James Partington produced a fine tackle followed by a collision of heads with the Crewe attacker and subsequently left the pitch the Whitchurch team re-organised and carried on.

Oliver and Charlie Edwards playing on the wings provided outlets to the pressured Whitchurch team holding the ball and providing opportunities to relieve the Crewe pressure.

Whitchurch finally broke through the Crewe defence and brought a fine double save from a Joe Sherridan shot and follow up from Cian Hirst.

At the end of the game Whitchurch again took many positives from their performance against a strong Crewe side and look forward to the remaining season as they continue to improve.

Whitchurch ladies 2s 6 Crewe ladies 3s 2

Whitchurch returned to winning ways this week with a fine victory over their local rivals.

The first half was a tight close affair as neither team managed to gain control of the game and it was very open and end to end. Heidi Groom managed to score a brace and the scores at the break were level.

Whitchurch re-organised their formation at half time bringing Cath Reece-Gresty back into defence alongside Gayle Ladd and this added more balance to the Whitchurch side.

Whitchurch seemed to have more time on the ball allowing the midfield of Massie Bennett, Eleanor Beecher and Julie Parsons to get their heads up and pick out passes to the forward players. Freya Gresty was found unmarked outside the dee and drove in and scored to give Whitchurch the lead.

Within minutes Gresty turned provider, picking out Lucy Chadwick on the back post who tapped into the Crewe goal.

Goalkeeper Phoebe Gregory was left with limited action as Martha Teggin and Hermione Ball swept up the Crewe attacks and gave the ball to Lucy Hearn to attack down the wing.

Whitchurch raised their game and further goals from Gresty and Groom took the game away from Crewe.

Whitchurch were pleased to be back to winning ways and ready for their next game.

Whitchurch ladies 3’s 1 Deeside ramblers 5’s 4

A very difficult first half with some strong shots on goal which just crept past keeper Alice Snaith. The defence had to work hard and the attackers had drop back to help out.

But Whitchurch held it together and managed to have a few runs.

In the second half the girls gained a little bit of confidence and were much more hungry for a goal and Freya Kellett obliged. Lois Ebben also had a great run but unfortunately couldn’t get it past the keeper. Week on week the 3’s improve and every so often I hear the words, usually spoken by the more experienced players escaped the mouths of those youngsters. They grow as a team and individuals, and I look forward to the rest of the season. Player of the match was goalie Alice Snaith not one goal passed her in the second half and she made some amazing saves.

Whitchurch Men’s 2s 1 Wilmslow Men’s 3s 3

Whitchurch started the stronger of the two sides and pressured the Wilmslow defence as Craig Hockenhull fired crosses into the dee but the final touch eluded the strikers.

Chances came and went as Cian Hirst and Alfie Edwards brought the best from the Wilmslow keeper. Whitchurch stood firm at the back with James Partington controlling the defence with Lucas Hill and Thomas Wyndham- Lewis breaking down the Wilmslow attacks. Despite having the majority of the opportunities the break came without any score.

The second half continued in the same vein with Whitchurch battling for every ball with Oliver Edwards driving down the left-wing creating opportunities supported by Liam Pallet and Archie Phews.

Whitchurch rode their luck at times and keeper Neil Jones kept them in the game with a fine instinctive save. Wilmslow broke the deadlock with a goal from a penalty corner which incensed Whitchurch who believed an infringement had occurred before the ball crossed the line.

Whitchurch fought back and the work of Will Edwards and Nik Moga in the midfield won Whitchurch a penalty corner. Martin Beecher stepped up and scored when his initial strike rebounded off the keeper’s pads.

Whitchurch pushed for another goal and for the first time in the match lost some of the discipline and composure and Wilmslow punished them when their quick striker broke and clinically finished.

Whitchurch started to tire but also pushed for the equaliser as the game opened and were lucky as a Wilmslow shot hit the post. Joe Sheridan broke through the Wilmslow defence and brought the best out of the rushing keeper to prevent his shot.

In the final minutes of the game Wilmslow grabbed their third goal, Whitchurch took a lot of positives from the match against a team they had lost heavily too earlier in the season as they continue to improve week on week.

Golborne ladies’ development 6 Whitchurch Ladies 3’s 0

With a few ladies missing this week we travelled to Golborne with some different players on the pitch. With only two senior players on the pitch the youngsters made some great passes and had quite a few chances on goal, with five short corners in the first half.

Golborne proved to have some very strong players with some very powerful shots on goal. At half time we were 5-0 down but still in good spirits but tired with only 11 players.

After switching around at half time Golborne only scored one more goal. All the girls are superstars in the making and showed great teamwork with some great breaks towards the goal.

Player of the match Erin Harnden who was excellent up front and in defence.

Whitchurch ladies 2s 1 Oswestry ladies 1s 4

Whitchurch had a slow start and Oswestry took full advantage of this. Oswestry scored two goals very early on. Oswestry kept the Whitchurch defence and midfield constantly fighting trying to push them back.  Goalkeeper Phoebe Gregory made many great saves to keep Whitchurch in the match.

The second half was pretty much the same with Oswestry dominating play but Whitchurch managed to find a few breaks and eventually managed to score with Freya Gresty running to the post and slotting past the keeper.  Oswestry came straight back scoring two more goals.

Whitchurch will put today’s game behind them and focus on next week’s match when they take on top of the league.

Whitchurch ladies 1s 0 Lymm ladies 2s 3

Whitchurch Ladies 1s started the game by applying a lot of pressure on the Lymm defence. After numerous shots and short corners which they were unable to convert, Lymm broke free and scored against the run of play.

This pattern continued after the goal, the team kept their heads up and continued to dominate play but without reward. Unfortunately, Lymm then doubled their goal tally in the same way.

At 2-0 down at half time Whitchurch lost key defender Chloe Lloyd to injury. This meant a reshuffle of all players on the pitch. The confusion meant the second half was a bit disjointed and did not flow the way the first half did. However, Whitchurch’s Hayleigh Busby and Hayley Kellett defended strongly and goalkeeper Caz Wynn stopped Lymm from scoring for most of the second half. 10 minutes before the final whistle was blown, Lymm were awarded a short corner which they converted to finish on a 3-0 win for the away team. Whitchurch were rusty after a few postponed games and will need to reassess their strategy going into their second game of the weekend on Sunday against Neston.
Player of the match was Jasmin Williams after her tireless work in the middle of the pitch.

Whitchurch Men’s 2s 2 Deeside Men’s 6s 2

Deeside started the game the stronger of the two teams earning several penalty corners in succession which brought goalkeeper and man of the match Merle Thelwell into the game from early on with a number of excellent clearances.

Whitchurch against the run of play, broke down the left side of the pitch through Alfie Edwards and his cross into the dee was met by Cian Hirst who’s deflection went just wide of the post. Whitchurch heads were up and as they pushed forward Will Edwards’ initial shot and rebound were scrambled away by the Deeside keeper.

Whitchurch eventually took the lead via a penalty corner strike from Chris Ruscoe and Whitchurch went into the break with a goal advantage.

Within minutes of the restart Deeside managed to scramble home an equaliser much to the frustration of the home team and then took the lead following the award of a penalty stroke following a goalmouth scramble and a mis-hit that looped into the air and hit the defender on the line.

Both teams showed their frustrations and received cards before the game settled back down to playing hockey. Whitchurch pushed for an equaliser and an excellent deflection by Joe Sheridan on his debut brought the scores level.

Both sides pushed for the winning goal but without success and at the end of the game Whitchurch were happy with a well earned point.