Chester Mens 6s 4 Whitchurch Mens 1s 8

The first half was one Whitchurch would rather forget. One car arrived late within minutes of the start and as the team were trying to sort out their formation Chester capitalised to take the lead. Whitchurch soon equalised as Ben Lea dribbled through the Chester defence and slid the ball under the keeper. Whitchurch pushed for a second and Chester again broke and caught Whitchurch asleep and took a 2-1 lead into the break.

The half time interval allowed Whitchurch to setup a formation and from the start Whitchurch took the game to Chester, Craig Hockenhull equalising from a rebound of the keepers pads. Whitchurch started to pass the ball around with the accuracy and pace of previous weeks and were rewarded with further goals from Ben Lea and a brace from Ellis Hickson and an individual effort from Steve Lloyd.

As Whitchurch started to tire the Chester side scored two in quick succession to again focus Whitchurch to the task at hand and Whitchurch finished on a high with a shot from Ben Kimberley into the bottom corner. In the final minutes Craig Hockenhull got the final goal deflecting home a well-worked short corner.

 

Whitchurch Mens 2s 1 Denbigh Mens 2s 4

Whitchurch 2nds entertained a Denbigh 2nds side who had already recorded two wins from three games this season. Whitchurch were up against it from the start as they were only able to field a team of 10 with the most experienced players unavailable.

Despite this the young Whitchurch side were a match for Denbigh in the early stages, although they struggled to mount any meaningful attacks. Denbigh made Whitchurch pay with a goal from a well-struck short corner midway through the first half.

Towards half time Whitchurch lost Ben Haden to injury. On his first start for the 2nds Ben had looked really accomplished and made some excellent contributions going forward and in defence. Unfortunately Denbigh made good use of the two extra players to take a 2-0 lead into the break.

Denbigh tried to seize the initiative in the 2^nd half and make their numerical advantage count. Whitchurch defended resolutely with Iain Bones and Mark Sugden imperious in defence. The 2nds did their best to attack the Denbigh goal, but struggled to make the opposition goalkeeper work, despite the tireless running of Jake Wood and Aaron Shackleton.

Ultimately Whitchurch were undone by sheer numbers and Denbigh moved into a 4-0 lead.

Undeterred Whitchurch pushed “Bones” into midfield and an excellent passing move between him, Josh Parry and Jake Wood ended with Iain hammering a shot past the Denbigh goalkeeper for a Whitchurch consolation goal.

Despite the 4-1 defeat Whitchurch can be proud of the effort they put into this game.

Although they were outnumbered, Whitchurch were never really outplayed. The younger members of the side continue to grow and don’t look out of place in the side. Aaron Swain made some good saves and had no chance with any of Denbigh’s goals; Jake Wood and Josh

Parry worked hard at both ends of the pitch; and Ben Haden excellent debut was sadly cut short through injury.

The 2nds are away to Mossley Hill next week.

 

Timperley ladies 5s 0 Whitchurch ladies 1s 5

Whitchurch women’s 1st team travelled to Timperley this week to take on their 5th team. Whitchurch have really begun to get into their stride this season with a convincing 5-0 win under difficult playing conditions. A second match was being played close to the Whitchurch pitch, with all umpires having the same whistle it took a great deal of concentration for all players to keep the game moving.

Captain Catherine Gresty opened the scoring with a goal from open play. Shortly afterwards Timperley pushed forwards into the Whitchurch dee and won a penalty stroke when the ball was stopped just in front of the goal line by a Whitchurch foot. Keeper Gwyneth Reece-Thomas remained calm under pressure and saved the Timperley flick.

The remainder of the first half saw Whitchurch pressuring the Timperley dee and winning a series of penalty corners from which Lisa Sullivan and Katie Plant scored a goal each with perfect execution of their set pieces. Timperley rarely left there own half but did win one penalty corner that was successfully defended by the strong Whitchurch back line Gayle Ladd and Catherine Reece-Gresty.

The second half continued as the first with some great passing and teamwork between the Whitchurch midfield and forward lines keeping almost constant pressure on the Timperley defence. Several further short corners were won by Whitchurch, from which Katie Plant scored her second of the match.

Ellie Windsor rounded up the scoring and showed superb calmness under pressure when a short corner ball rebounded her way. A short knock into position followed by a strong strike left the keeper unable to save her shot. The Whitchurch defence were rarely called in to action, but when they were they showed their typical calm natures, carefully working the ball back out to their attackers to once again push forwards.

Timperley nominated captain Catherine Gresty as player of the match.

 

Whitchurch ladies 2s 2  Alderley edge 6s 1

Whitchurch played Alderley Edge 6s at home and from the start the opposition didn’t make it easy for Whitchurch as they applied pressure and took the lead scoring from a penalty corner as Whitchurch were getting into the game.

Masie Owen and Kate Goodwin created good opportunities passing into the opposition dee and Charlotte Lawder and Charlotte Ridgeway both edged wide of the goal. Before half time break goalkeeper Shola Bailey was called into action with a number of amazing saves that kept Whitchurch in the game and kept the score board at 1-0 down at half time.

Whitchurch had a very enthusiastic half time talk that boosted their confidence and from the break applied pressure. After a few chances on goal they equalised after Charlotte Lawder drove through the defence and passed to Hayleigh Busby who crossed for Ashleigh Heath to deflect into the Alderley goal.

Whitchurch were boosted by the goal and kept pressing for another goal but could not convert. Hebe Dixon in her first senior game was a really big part of the team by creating many chances on goal and making some really useful tackles.

Near to the end Whitchurch were awarded a short corner. Kate Goodwin ejected the ball out to Jess Kimberley at the top of the dee who struck the ball in to the bottom corner.

Alderley Edge pressured to get another goal in the final minutes and it was left to Shola to save and secure the three points.

Mel Reed was awarded player of the match. Whitchurch 2s are away at Warrington next week.

Whitchurch Mens 1s 11 Llandudno Mens 2s 1

It was a very successful weekend for the Mens 1s as they continue to dominate games in the league. Two matches in two days have now seen them top the table with wins over both Llandudno 2s and Wrexham 2s.

Whitchurch entertained Llandudno on Saturday and despite Whitchurch having most of the play Llandudno defended in numbers and frustrated Whitchurch for the first 15 minutes until Joe Nicholson broke the deadlock closely followed with a second by Ben Lea.

Whitchurch then had a fright as Llandudno scored against the run of play and this focused the team for the remainder of the game. Ben Lea scoring another brace to complete his hattrick, Martin Beecher with four and captain Joel Leese with the final two.

 

Whitchurch Mens 1s 5 Wrexham Mens 2s 1 (replayed game on Sunday)

Whitchurch entertained Wrexham 3s in a re-arranged game on Sunday afternoon. Wrexham fielded a strong team and for long periods tested Whitchurch’s resolve. Despite conceding as the game progressed Whitchurch took control with two goals from Joe Nicholson and one for Martin Beecher, Ben Lea and Ellis Hickson and another well deserved victory.

 

Winnington Park Men’s 4s 8 Whitchurch Men’s 2s 2

Whitchurch 2s travelled to Winnington Park and knew they were going to be tougher opponents from their league position. Whitchurch were hoping to build on the successes of previous weeks, however due to injury and unavailability Whitchurch travelled with only ten players.

Whitchurch faced a skilful and youthful Winnington Park side and in the early stages had some good opportunities to take the lead. As they pushed to take the lead Winnington caught them on the break and gained the early advantage. Within minutes Winnington had a second with a freak goal that ricocheted off multiple players was saved and then the spin took it inside the post.

Winningtons third goal was one to be proud off as their forward met a cross and deflected an unstoppable shot past the Whitchurch keeper. Winnington pressed home their advantage and took a five-goal lead into the break.

A tough halftime talk saw Whitchurch reorganise to defend deep and attack the opposition on the break. This appeared to frustrate Winnington who despite having the majority of the possession could not break down Whitchurch’s resolute defending with Mark Sugden and Doug Buckeridge at the back breaking down attack after attack.

Whitchurch attacked on the break and a run down the right wing from Simon Briceno saw him continue into the opposition dee and slip the ball under the Winnington keeper. Within minutes Ben Kimberley pulled back a second as he wove through the Winnington defence to fire an unstoppable shot into the bottom corner to give Whitchurch some hope.

Whitchurch started to tire as the extra man advantage of the opposition finally took effect and Winnington finally broke through the defensive line and scored.

Whitchurch were disappointed to concede two goals in the final minutes of the game but took away from the game that they gave everything and were beaten by a better team.

The seconds entertain Denbigh at home 14.00 next week.

 

Whitchurch ladies 1s 6 Wrexham ladies 2s 0

The ladies had something to prove after both teams gained promotion last season.

The game started well with some good attacking play from Whitchurch players Ellie Windsor, Captain Catherine Winter-Gresty, Lisa Sullivan, Sue Read and Laura Workman. Emma Harper scored the first goal with a well-worked penalty corner. Wrexham created a few scoring opportunities but the defense of Catherine Reece-Gresty, Katie Plant and Emily Hilton soon broke them up.

Whitchurch raced into a three-goal lead as Lisa Sullivan slammed in a shot from the top of the dee and Laura Workman defecting home a cross for the third.

The second half continued with Whitchurch attacking hard, resulting in a short corner that Emma Harper drag flicked for her second of the game. In the final stages of the match Catherine Winter-Gresty and Katie Plant both scored to complete a comfortable win.

Next week Whitchurch ladies firsts travel away to Timperley ladies 5s.

 

Bowden ladies 6’s  6 Whitchurch ladies 2s 2

Whitchurch travelled to Bowden on Saturday and despite the score Whitchurch never gave up throughout the game. Bowden started the stronger of the two sides applying pressure from the start and scoring with in the first few minutes.

From the break Whitchurch turned the scoring sheet around and equalised as Ashleigh Heath ran through the Bowden defense and slotted the ball in the bottom right corner, this raised the confidence of the Whitchurch team. Before the final whistle for the half time Bowden struck from the top of the dee into the top corner leaving the score at 2-1.

During half time Whitchurch had a very up lifting talk that boosted morale and Whitchurch started to apply pressure upon the Bowden midfield and defense the break came when Jess Kimberley struck the ball into the Bowden dee and Helen Hocknell deflected home the equaliser.

After Whitchurch had equalised they lost concentration and Bowden took advantage and scored another four goals. Whitchurch continued to press but couldn’t get the crucial final touch in front of goal.

Mel Reed was awarded player of the match and Whitchurch 2’s will be entertaining Alderley Edge 6’s to Whitchurch for a 12:30 push back

Deeside Mens 7s 0 Whitchurch Mens 1s 12

Whitchurch Mens 1s travelled away to play Deeside 7s in their second game of the season. Whitchurch looked strong throughout the game and pressured Deeside from start to end.

From the start of the game Whitchurch worked through the Deeside defense with pace and skill and within minutes Ryan Dulson scored the opener and later went on to score two more and complete his hattrick. Deeside had moments of passing and good play through sections of the game but rarely got chances at the Whitchurch goal due to the work of the defense and midfield.

Joe Nicholson and Ben Lea both claimed themselves hattricks with a combination of goals. Joel Leese, Ben Kimberley and Steve Lloyd also scored one goal each as they pressed heavily in the second half and saw the game out as another double figure win.

Whitchurch 1s play Llandudno 2s and Wrexham 3s at home next Saturday and Sunday.

 

Whitchurch Mens 2s 10 Liverpool Sefton 4s 0

Whitchurch seconds claimed their second win in two weeks with a strong and clinical victory over the Liverpool opposition.

Josh Parrish opened the scoring with his first goal for the club striking the ball from the top of the dee into the far corner. Jack Barnes scored a quick brace to give Whitchurch a comfortable lead. As Whitchurch continued to push for goals Ellis Hickson swept in a stunning strike high into the goal and Jack Barnes swept in a reverse stick sweep to complete his hattrick before the break.

The second half continued much as the first finished with Whitchurch continuing to attack the Sefton defense. Jack Barnes grabbed another brace early on in the half before Alex Fry latched onto the end of a clearance and fired past the stranded keeper.

The final goals were a brace from Craig Hockenhull the first a fierce short corner strike and the second flicked past the keeper from another penalty corner.

Whitchurch 2s travel to Winnington Park for their next league fixture.

 

Whitchurch ladies 2s 0 Macclesfield ladies 4ths 0

Whitchurch started stronger of the two sides. Whitchurch took the game to Macclesfield straight from the start applying pressure to their defense. Despite good chances on goal from Emily Vernon, Jess Kimberley and Hayleigh Busby Whitchurch failed to convert chances into goals.

Macclesfield also created Shola Bailey was forced into action saving a penalty corner strike.

The half time talk focused on the pluses of the first half and with the which confidence boosted they pressured from the start. Good runs from Helen Hocknell and Emily Vernon on the left as and Masie Owen linking Tracy Tolhurst in the centre but they couldn’t get the final touch in front of goal.

Despite Macclesfield breaking through the Whitchurch midfield Wendy Cooper, Emma Clark and Becky Brookfield were able to keep it Macclesfield attacks to a minimum. Towards the end of the game fitness started to take its toll on the Whitchurch side but Whitchurch players never let their head drop and continued to give everything until the end and can take heart from a good performance from the defense of Emma Clarke and Wendy Cooper.

Jess Kimberley was awarded player of the match. Whitchurch will be traveling to Bowden next week.

 

Macclesfield ladies 3s 1 Whitchurch ladies 1s 0

In what was a very closely fought contest Macclesfield came away with the points. Whitchurch were extremely disappointed to concede in the final minutes of the game.

The ladies entertain Wrexham 2s at home starting 12.30 next week.

Whitchurch ladies 1s 5  Sale ladies 3s 0

Whitchurch Ladies 1s entertained Sale 3s this week and from the outset Sale were determined to bring the game to Whitchurch.

Whitchurch however were in no mood to give Sale any opportunity and were clinical from the offset. The first short corner was swept in after fifteen minutes by Katie Plant and minutes later Emma Harper flicked home the second from another penalty corner. Prior to the break Hannah Morgan-Wynne not only made her debut as a forward but met a cross on the back post for Whitchurch’s third.

The second half continued much as the first as Whitchurch continued to dominate play and it was not long before Whitchurch scored two more goals from set piece penalty corners set play short corners the first from captain Catherine Winter-Gresty and the second for striker Sue Read to give Whitchurch a well deserved victory and another three points.

All in all an encouraging performance by Whitchurch who travel away to play Macclesfield 3s next Saturday.

 

Crewe Vagrant ladies 3s 4 Whitchurch ladies 2s 0

The first half of the match was evenly balanced with both teams having plenty of chances on goal. There were some blistering runs down both sides of the pitch from Emily Vernon and Massie Owen but the team just lacked the finishing touch.

Crewe took the lead just before the break when their player of the match scored the opening goal.

Crewe started the second half with more determination but thanks to several saves by keeper Phoebe Jones the goal tally remained unchanged. Whitchurch continued to apply pressure and thwart the Crewe attacks through the midfield players Charlotte Lawder, Helen Hocknell, Julia Neale and Hayleigh Busby.

Nicola Workman and Jessica Kimberley led the attacks on the Crewe goal but the defence and keeper were too strong for Whitchurch midfielders.

Towards the end of the game fitness started to take its toll on the Whitchurch side and Crewe took full advantage with three goals in the later stages of the match.

Whitchurch players never let their head drop and continued to give everything until the end and can take heart from a good performance from the defence of Emma Clarke and Wendy Cooper.

Jessica Kimberley got player of the match and Whitchurch 2’s will be entertaining Macclesfield 4^th’s next week at home at 12:30.

 

Runcorn Mens 3s 0 Whitchurch Mens 2s 2

Whitchurch travelled away to Runcorn looking to bounce back from the previous weeks defeat.

Whitchurch took control of the game from the off and should have been in the lead within minutes of the start. Whitchurch continued to dominate possession but failed to breakdown the Runcorn defence who seemed content to sit back and soak up the pressure.

Whitchurch finally got their breakthrough when the ball deflected through a crowd of players and fell to Jack Barnes who fired past the Runcorn keeper.

Runcorn continued to pose problems for Whitchurch as they attacked on the break as they pushed forward looking to extend their lead and it required several excellent saves from keeper Neil Jones to keep Whitchurch in the match.

The second half saw Runcorn come out with a clear tactical way of dealing with the Whitchurch side. For long periods Runcorn had the better of the game and the Whitchurch defence of Alex Fry and Iain Bones broke up attack after attack to keep Whitchurch in the game.

Whitchurch rode their luck and when a Jack Barnes shot hit the defender on the line, Simon Brinceto stepped up to convert the subsequent penalty stroke and give Whitchurch some breathing room.

Runcorn at this point lost their composure and indiscipline crept into their game and handing the advantage to Whitchurch to complete their first victory in the league and secure three points.

The Whitchurch Mens 1s against Wrexham 3s was postponed as Wrexham failed to raise a team.