8th October Match Reports

StockportTeam Match Report

REDDISH BEAT DEADLOCK!! 

Reddish went into the match still searching for a win in the Stockport league and whilst their opponents, Stockport were looking to continue their excellent start to the season with another win. Stockport started the game with ten players and Jenny Plant from Reddish showed excellent sportsmanship and offered to make up the numbers and help out their league counterparts.

Reddish were looking to win the game and began playing aggressive hockey, yet this left gaps in the Reddish defence and despite the efforts from the returning captain Maggie Fiddler from injury, Stockport went on the attack and scored. The first goal of the game to open the scoring was from a well struck shot from Stockport’s Megan Coleshill. Reddish did not stay back though and continued to attack concentrating their attack down the middle of the pitch, earning them a number of penalty corners. Stockport’s defence held firm for the first two penalty corners but it was third time lucky for Becky Schofield who hit a powerful drive into the bottom left hand corner and levelled the scores for Reddish. The first half continued at a frantic pace and yet both defences held firm and the first half finished with the scores level.

After a stern talk at half time from captain Maggie, Reddish played an exceptional half of attacking hockey and this showed with dazzling runs down the right wing from a returning Jackie Phieffer. Reddish continued to attack throughout the whole of the half and were rewarded midway through the half with a penalty corner from which Becky Schofield doubled her goal tally. Her powerful drive went straight through the Stockport goalkeepers legs and Reddish were leading in a match for the first time in the season. However Stockport continued to attack and superb defensive performances from the two Helens (Higgs and Elcock) held the Stockport attackers at bay.

Attack after attack followed from Reddish and they were always looking to increase their lead and after hitting the post and creating a number of opportunities Reddish were not finished. The next goal came from a fantastic piece of individual skill from Jackie Phieffer who increased the Reddish lead to three placing the ball past a diving Stockport keeper.

The game finished 3-1 to Reddish, who had worked hard to ensure their first win of the season with lots of effort from everyone on the pitch. They will be looking to take their level of play into the future games of the season and Stockport will look to pick themselves up from this defeat to challenge for the title.

Rachel Dunley