Category Archives: Match Reports

Blow-by-blow accounts of the latest (hopefully) action…

Match reports – 14-10-23

Deeside Ramblers ladies 5s 8 Whitchurch Ladies 3s 0

A very well played match where the score line did not match the level of play. With play being pretty even in both halves.

New goal keep Alice Snaith was kept busy throughout with lots of brilliant saves but also some very cheeky back post goals. Bella Clarke had numerous breaks with great runs, but the keeper matched her and no goals unfortunately. The weather was the coldest this year and with downpours of rain one side of the pitch seemed to be more slippery than the other and Tracey Tolhurst’s first outing in a while turned into her attempting some gymnastics on the pitch.

The attackers made some great runs and had numerous attempts on goal but unfortunately was not fruitful on this occasion. The defence had a tough time for as many breaks we had Deeside also made some massive runs. All players have given 100% throughout and are starting to work better with each other and looks good to continue through the season.

Whitchurch ladies 2s 0 Deeside Ramblers ladies 4s 1

From the beginning of the match, Whitchurch could tell that it was going to be a close game. Time on the ball was very even, however, despite some great tackles from Eleanor Beecher, and excellent defending by Cath Reece-Gresty, Deeside scored off a short corner in the first half.

Whitchurch came back strong and seemed to dominate throughout the second half. Many great passes were made between midfield players including Nipper, Freya Gresty and Maisie Bennett, which led to multiple shots on goal, however none made it past the Deeside keeper. Whitchurch still didn’t give up, with some brilliant runs being made by Lucy Chadwick, and lovely tackles from Lexi Morgan meaning that Deeside barely got the ball in the Whitchurch dee, however Whitchurch could not secure a goal in time for the end of the match.

Wilmslow Men’s 3s 7 Whitchurch Men’s 2s 1

Whitchurch travelled away for their second late start in two weeks to play in the pouring rain. Wilmslow attacked from the whistle and camped in the Whitchurch half for the first 5 minutes of the game. Whitchurch then started to settle and move the ball around and should have taken the lead as numerous chances came and went. Wilmslow then took the lead from a penalty corner against the run of play.

The second half saw Wilmslow use their experience to control play and frustrate the Whitchurch attacks and several unforced errors by Whitchurch were punished by Wilmslow. Whitchurch continued to cause Wilmslow problems on the break and Danny Foulkes scored a consolation from a penalty corner, but Whitchurch will want to put this behind them and move on next week.

Whitchurch Men’s 1s 4 Deeside Men’s 5s 1

In an exciting hockey match, Whitchurch 1’s displayed their prowess as they secured a 4-1 victory over a strong Deeside Ramblers 5’s team. Deeside came out with a strong start, taking the lead 1-0 early in the game. However, the tide began to turn when Felix Jeffrey’s remarkable play earned a flick, expertly converted by Jack Barnes to level the score at 1-1.

The momentum continued to swing in Whitchurch’s favour as Steve Lloyd made a brilliant shot from the top of the dee, threading the needle between the keeper’s legs to put Whitchurch ahead 2-1. Not long after, Ethan Gresty showcased his skills, converting a short corner with a beautiful drag flick, extending the lead to 3-1 by the end of the first half.

The second half was characterized by Whitchurch’s control of the game, although they missed several clear-cut chances to put it out of reach for Deeside. But they were determined, and Ben Lea sealed the 4-1 victory with a fantastic goal from a tight angle, ensuring Whitchurch’s well-deserved triumph. A thrilling match that showcased Whitchurch 1’s resilience and skill on the field.

Match Reports – 07-10-23

Whitchurch ladies 3’s 1 Golborne 3’s 5

From the pushback Whitchurch could see this was not going to be an easy game as the Golborne ladies had stance and experience on their side.

With Golborne players breaking free early to have a shot on goal at goalkeeper Phoebe Gregory managed to save numerous chances. The pressure was finally rewarded as Golborne took the lead via a penalty corner. Defenders Jan Teggin, Elsie Cottrell, Mabel Hazelhurst, Wendy Cooper and Mel Reid had their work cut out as they were busy sticking to their players who were very quick to try and break free.

In midfield Esme Mackreth, Izzy Gilbert, Grace Haynes, Alice Page and Freya Kellett worked continuously to support the defence and forwards throughout the game.

Just before half time Bella Clarke scored a cracking goal from a short corner.

At half time, Whitchurch had time to catch their breaths and discuss tactics for the second half, they then went out and implemented these frustrating the Golborne attacks and preventing all but one goal. Whitchurch fought hard and continue to gain in experience with each game they play.

Player of the match went to Freya Kellett were her efforts and constant running in midfield.

Lymm ladies 2s 2 Whitchurch ladies 1s 2

Whitchurch ladies 1s played away against Lymm 2s. Both teams had a shaky start and Whitchurch conceded early off a short corner. Whitchurch came back with a fighting spirit, passing well between Lisa Sullivan and Jasmin Williams.

Georgia Munro made a cross to Poppy Gilbert, who scored her first goal for ladies 1s. After a delay in play due to stoppage time for a Lymm injury, the half time score was 1-1.

In the second half Whitchurch came back as the stronger team, having multiple chances on goal from Hayley Kellet. Lymm broke against play but were stopped by the super defence of Chloe Lloyd and Katie Laffey, and superb saves from goalkeeper Caroline Wynn.

Player of the match Hayleigh Busby made an excellent goal line save to keep them in the game.

Whitchurch applied more pressure on Lymm, receiving a free hit just outside the 25. Lisa Sullivan played an excellent ball into Georgia Munro, who scored Whitchurch’s second goal.

After another break in play from Lymm, they received a penalty flick, making the score 2-2. Whitchurch were fired up after the penalty flick and determined to get ahead once again. Holly Edwards and Poppy Huxley worked together along the right to secure a series of short corners, but Whitchurch were unfortunate not to score before the final whistle was blown.

Oswestry ladies 1s 0 Whitchurch ladies 2s 8

The Whitchurch ladies 2s travelled away to play Oswestry 1s at Oswestry school.

Whitchurch started strong and Lucy Hearn scored in the first twenty minutes from a strong pass into the dee from Bella Morris. After a tough battle from midfielders Lexi Morgan and Maisie Bennett, Freya Gresty received the ball on the back post and slapped it past the keeper.

Oswestry fought back, battling through Julie Parsons and Jane Laffey with Pheobe Gregory making several strong saves from their attacks on goal. With Rachel Chester’s and Eleanor Beecher moving the ball out of the dee towards Erin Harden and Maisie Bennett, who passed to Laffey who passed a strong hit to Gresty who slipped it past the keeper once again.

Half time went with a quick break for Whitchurch and a constructive team talk and they came back refreshed. The second half started as strong as the first with Whitchurch taking most of the possession. Midfielders Laffey, Lexi Morgan and Julie Parsons made some lovely triangular passes up the pitch to yet again reach Freya Gresty who scored two goals within quick succession. Bennett battled hard on the left, stopping Oswestry getting passed and slipped the ball to Lucy Hearn who scored.

Bella Morris received the ball at top dee and slipped it across to Freya Gresty and it was flicked into the net securing her fifth of the game. After a lucky break from Oswestry, Eleanor Beecher got possession of the ball in the 25 and ran fast paced up the middle of the pitch and passed it to Lucy Hearn who scored her hattrick. Oswestry kept battling until the end but couldn’t get past Rachel Chester’s who was awarded player of the match.

Deeside Men’s 6s 4 Whitchurch Men’s 2s 1

Whitchurch travelled for a late start against an experienced Deeside side and came away frustrated with the result. Whitchurch started the game well moving the ball around through the defence of James Partington, Adam Rance and Pip Jones. Frustratingly a ball hit straight through the middle of the pitch saw Neil Jones with no chance as it was deflected past him to give Deeside the lead.

Deeside used their experience to control large parts of the game but when Whitchurch got the ball they attacked at pace through Nik Moga and Oliver Edwards down the left side of the pitch. From one of these runs Whitchurch equalised as Martin Beecher received a cross and guided it into the path of Will Edwards who slotted past the keeper for the equaliser.

Whitchurch continued to push forward, and chances fell to Beecher and Liam Pallet but some good saves from the Deeside keeper continued to frustrate Whitchurch. Whitchurch continued to push but several unforced errors were punished by the clinical Deeside attack.

The second half was a repeat of the first, Whitchurch created chances via Archie Phews and the hard work in midfield of Charlie Edwards in midfield and again it was the final pass in and around the Deeside dee which undid the Whitchurch’s attacks.

Whitchurch had numerous opportunities throughout the half, Craig Hockenhull drove into the dee and a quick exchange with Liam Paller saw him flick the ball over the keeper, only to hit his shoulder pad and deflect the ball into the air. From the resulting penalty corner Will Edwards forced the best from the keeper but it was not Whitchurch’s day

Thomas Wyndam-Lewis defended resolutely on the right and made countless runs supporting the Whitchurch attacks and duly earned man of the match.

Whitchurch Men’s 1s 6 Golborne Men’s 2 2

In an electrifying field hockey clash, Whitchurch 1’s emerged victorious against Golborne 2’s with a commanding 6-2 win. The match showcased thrilling moments and impressive plays from both sides.

Whitchurch set the tone early in the game when Tom Forster found the back of the net from close range just five minutes into the match, giving his team an early lead. Joe Chesters then doubled Whitchurch’s lead with a remarkable goal, skilfully manoeuvring around the Golborne keeper to score from a tight angle.

Golborne, however, showed their resilience by pulling one back, making it 2-1. But Whitchurch were relentless, and Tom Edwards capitalised on an error from Golborne’s defence, showcasing his clinical finishing with a well-struck shot late in the first half.

The second half continued to be dominated by Whitchurch, with Tom Edwards notching his second goal of the game. Ben Lea displayed incredible dribbling skills to weave his way through the dee to score during a short corner, extending Whitchurch’s lead further.

Golborne managed to find the back of the net once more, securing their second goal, but it was Whitchurch who had the final say. Jack Barnes sealed the win in style with Whitchurch’s sixth goal, converting yet another short corner.

In the end, Whitchurch 1 displayed exceptional teamwork, skill, and determination to secure a convincing 6-2 victory over Golborne 2.

 

Match Reports – 30-09-23

Whitchurch ladies 1s 6 Runcorn Ladies 1s 0
Whitchurch were excited to play their first home game of the season, however they were not going to let the weather dampen their spirits. From the off Whitchurch looked to score and a penalty flick won and converted by Georgia Monroe lifted their spirits. Runcorn attacked down the right side however excellent defending from Sarah Kay and Chloe Lloyd stopped them in their tracks and a quick turn over allowed Jasmine Williams to slot home to double the reds lead.
A marvellous half time talk from an injured Captain Cath Gresty inspired the ladies who again came out hard. The defensive efforts between Katie Laffey, Hermione Ball and Hayleigh Busby meant that Caroline Williams was only called into action a handful of times. Whitchurch were taking advantage of a tiring Runcorn and a burst of speed from Poppy Gilbert down the left side found Hayley Kellet who fired home to put the reds 3-0 up.
Whitchurch focused on quick link ups between Lisa Sullivan, Holly Edwards, Poppy Huxley and Hayley Kellet, this allowed Monroe to get her second of the game. Again the reds won a short corner, which Sullivan perfectly fired into the backboard. The reds continued their push for more and a link up from Monroe and Busby allowed her to slot home for Whitchurch’s sixth of the game.
Whitchurch look to face Lymm away next week.

Whitchurch Men’s 2s 2 Alderley Edge Men’s 6s 2

On a rainy Saturday afternoon Whitchurch entertained Alderley Edge. From the start Edge passed the ball quickly around and Whitchurch knew they were in for a tough match.

Despite the lack of possession Whitchurch remained untroubled by the Alderley attacks and soaked up the pressure through the defence of Lucas Hill, Danny Foulkes, Adam Rance and Thomas Wyndham- Lewis.

As the game settled, Whitchurch began to get more possession and cause Alderley more problems in their defence. Both teams were equally matched and for much of the match cancelled out each other. In the end the game came down to a couple of pieces of individual skill.

Alderley took the lead through a well worked goal and within minutes Whitchurch were equal as man of the match Nik Moga broke down the right and picked out Archie Phews on the back post to draw Whitchurch level.

Whitchurch then took the lead as Will Edwards, Airan Jones and Martin Beecher linked through the midfield. A foul on Beecher saw the Alderley defence slow to reset and Beecher took full advantage to slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Whitchurch continued the second half as they finished the first, rolling substitutes kept up the pressure on Alderley with Alfie Edwards and Liam Pallet swapping in midfield.

Whitchurch had further chances to increase their lead with Beecher receiving a pass from Charlie Edwards and the subsequent cross just missing the diving Airan Jones on the back post.

Alderley were awarded a penalty corner and drew level as a deflection left captain Neil Jones no chance of saving. This set up a tense last ten minutes to the match as both sides went for the win.

Craig Hockenhull broke from midfield and through the Alderley defence picking out Oliver Edwards who was denied by a fine save from the Alderley keeper.

The result saw the points shared in what was a hard fought thoroughly competitive game.

Alderley Edge ladies’ development 0 Whitchurch Ladies 3s 2

Whitchurch started the game quickly with strong passes between Bella Morris, Jan Teggin and Freya Gresty, this created space to pass around the back to Izzy Gilbert and Elsie-May Cottrell and work the ball down the right through Mabel Hazlehurst. A quick pass from Erin Harden picked out Sue Read in the dee and her slip pass to Freya Gresty saw her shot rebound off the keepers’ pads for a penalty corner.

The second half saw Whitchurch come out pushing for a goal and from a penalty corner Rachel Chesters gave them the lead.

Alderley Edge started to push forward looking for an equaliser and from a fine tackle and pass from Esme Mackreth she set free Freya Kellet who made a fantastic run down to the right passing to Sue Read to score Whitchurch’s second.

Alderley continued to push forward and won a short corner which was calmly defended by goalkeeper Phoebe Gregory. In the final minutes some lovely skill by Alice Snaith in midfield created a chance for Whitchurch but it was not to be.

Sandbach Men’s 1s 3 Whitchurch Men’s 1s 2

In a thrilling early season hockey clash, Whitchurch 1’s faced off against Sandbach 1’s, and the match proved to be a rollercoaster ride. Whitchurch unfortunately found themselves in a tough situation early on as they went down 3-0 within the first 15 minutes of play. Sandbach were quick off the blocks and showed their attacking prowess right from the start.

However, Whitchurch displayed remarkable resilience and determination. Just before the half-time whistle, Tom Forster delivered a stunning strike into the back of the net. It was a moment of brilliance as he capitalized on a rebound from the keeper’s save during a short corner. This crucial goal gave Whitchurch a glimmer of hope as they headed into the break trailing 3-1.

The second half brought renewed energy and determination from Whitchurch. They controlled the game, putting immense pressure on the Sandbach defense. It didn’t take long for their efforts to pay off. Phil Handley showcased his skills with a well-executed goal after some tight play in the Sandbach D, narrowing the score to 3-2.

Whitchurch continued to dominate the second half, launching attacks and creating opportunities. However, despite their relentless efforts, they couldn’t find the equalizer. Sandbach’s defense held strong, denying Whitchurch any more goals.

In the end, it was a valiant effort by Whitchurch as they fought back from a three-goal deficit to make it an extremely close contest. The match ended with a final score of 3-2 in favor of Sandbach, but Whitchurch’s second-half performance left the players proud of their determination and fighting spirit.

Match Reports 01-04-23

Whitchurch ladies 1s 3 Knutsford ladies 1s 0

Promotion for the ladies 1s and they played Knutsford at home with a relaxed feel. From the off Knutsford found themselves defending heavily as Whitchurch attacked strongly, within 3 minutes Whitchurch won a penalty corner and a powerful straight strike from Captain Cath Gresty flew through the keepers legs and hit the backboard.

Knutsford held tight in their dee as several more shots on goal came from Lisa Sullivan and Georgia Munro, but then another penalty corner was awarded and a slip from Gresty to Molly Fry deflected up into the net.

2 -0 now and Knutsford tried to make some attack on the Whitchurch twenty-five but the defence Hayleigh Busby and Chloe Lloyd made some speedy interceptions and pushed the ball back up to Tilly James and Sarah Kay who pushed up high to give as much pressure on Knutsford as possible.

A battle for Whitchurch as Knutsford’s defence held very tight not allowing them to score again in the first half.

A quick break and back on the pitch, Whitchurch thirsty for more goals played the ball round but Knutsford players were attacking hard working in packs the break down the Whitchurch play, Jasmin Williams worked tirelessly to stop attacks down the right, Sullivan,  Gresty and Munro made attempts on goal but couldn’t break the defence.

Whitchurch sat back as they began to tire, but a couple of balls were needed to be cleared easily by keeper Caroline Wynne. Fast footwork for Mollie Bell, she dribbled the ball through the middle to top dee to slap past the keeper.

With 5 minutes to go and Whitchurch continued to control play until the final whistle, for a comfortable 3-0 win.

One more rearranged game to play away this Tuesday night against Lymm.

Whitchurch Mens 1s 11 – Alderley Edge 5s 1

In their final game of the season, Whitchurch put together some of their best hockey to finish off on a high. Initially against only 10, as opposition players were late to arrive, the Reds knew they had to put the pressure on from the start and were able to put a goal on the scoreboard early on – and that was to set the tone for the day. As the scoreline increased, so did the style with the peak being the goal within 30 seconds of the start of the second half, as the pushback was followed by several crisp, clean passes before the shot on goal, with Martin Beecher showing his natural goalscoring abilities to pick up his hat-trick for the day.

Luke Beddow also got three, with captain Jack Barnes picking up a brace, as did Tom Forster whose second was a well worked flat-stick deflection from a short corner pass from Barnes. Phil Handley picked Whitchurch’s eleventh to mark their best result of the season – and there could have been more, with shots just creeping wide. In fairness to Alderley Edge, they had limited numbers but the young players on their team showed immense promise for the future. The one goal opportunity they had they took well, and they were using their speed effectively to try to find gaps in the Reds’ defence, but Neil Jones was strong in goal, and Alex Fry, Sam Conway and Chris Ruscoe were tireless in defence making critical interceptions.

It was the sort of game that Whitchurch would hope to play each week: everyone ran hard, worked well for each other on and off the ball, and kept positive attitudes throughout. In what’s been an up-and-down season, it was a great ending and showed what they’re capable of on their day.

Whitchurch ladies 3s 0 Runcorn ladies 2s 5

Whitchurch entertained Runcorn at home for the final match of the season.

Whitchurch were on the back foot from the start with having no keeper. But Wendy Cooper, Elsie Cottrell, Mel Reid and Rachel Chester’s buddied up and managed to keep Runcorn at bay for long periods of the game. Runcorn were awarded a penalty corner which they scored from. Whitchurch pushed through with runs from Chester’s to Erin Harnden, Jan Teggin to Sue Read who narrowly missed the goal. Runcorn took advantage of the lack of keeper and scored another 2 bringing the score line to 3-0 at half time.

After a up lifting halftime talk Whitchurch went back out fighting with keeper Phoebe Gregory back in to make some amazing saves on the line. Cooper picked out Bella Clarke who ran around the Runcorn mid field who picked out Alice Page who then continued down the baseline to pick out Abi Ashley on the penalty spot but was beaten by the Runcorn defence. But Whitchurch wasn’t stopping there with Mabel Hazelhurst picking up the ball from midfield and picking out Evie Hall on the Right to slip it to Chester’s who drove the ball towards the Runcorn Dee.

Runcorn then acted quickly and slotted another one bringing the score to 4-0.

Whitchurch were determined to get onto the score sheet with runs from Clarke, and Page towards the Runcorn Dee. Runcorn slotted their final goal within the last few minutes of the game bringing the final score to 5-0.

Player of the match was awarded to Mel Reid.