8nd April Match Reports

GMHA Team Match Report

FINAL GAME SUMS UP REDDISH SEASON

The final game in the Greater Manchester season for Reddish was against an already relegated Bury and Elton Ladies side who earlier in the season trounced Reddish seven-one. With Reddish now clear of relegation, it was time to put in a performance that would give them confidence going into the next season.

Reddish started very brightly and strong attacks earned them a number of early penalty corners but they were unable to use these opportunities to take the lead. Attacks were built up down both left and right sides as Jenny Worth took on the Bury defence, together with Jenny Plant on the left. Reddish were now piling on the pressure with little response from Bury. It was Dunners who came close to opening the scoring with a quick first time shot which sailed just wide of the right hand post. Yet it was Bury who took the lead with the tamest of goals. The Reddish keeper thought the ball had been struck on goal from outside the Reddish D so left it to trail into eh back of the net. The misjudgement and the lack of pressure on the shooter by allowed Bury to take the lead.

Reddish were not going to lose the last game of the season after working so hard to avoid relegation and Dunners did not miss at the second time of asking as she put Reddish level, following up the rebound from a shot by Cookie (Lucy) and scooping it past the keeper. Reddish were now back level and everyone was displaying a confidence after the early blip.

The game was pretty even going into half time, with each team having number of scoring opportunities. Sarah the Reddish keeper was having another outstanding half in goal and all the Reddish team dug in to stop Bury from scoring and taking the lead. With the score at one-all going into half-time, both teams would be playing for pride in the second half as both would want to end their seasons with a win.

Indeed it was Reddish who took the early initiative at the half and they continued to attack earning themselves a number of short corners and opportunities to take the lead. One of which was taken by Cookie whose fiercely struck drive (which has got us out of trouble on a number of occasions) put Reddish 2-1 ahead at the start of the second half. Reddish pressed the Bury defence and looked to increase their lead, with Jenny P, Jenny W and Hannah all coming close to scoring.

Bury were not going away easily though and they scored to take the game level midway through the second half. A pass to the back post caught the Reddish defence sleeping and Bury took full advantage sneaking the ball past the Reddish keeper. It was tight going into the final stages of the game as Bury continued to press and were not letting up (taking some of the Reddish sticks in the process!). They nearly took the lead with minutes remaining but Sarah dived to her right to keep the scores level.

As the final whistle came Reddish knew they had been in a game and the match displayed what Reddish have been capable of all season, strong attacks, concentrated defence and excellent team spirit in a season with lot of highs and excellent displays of professionalism and confidence. Well done girls!! Roll on next season!!