29nd April Match Reports

Stockport Team Match Report

REDDISH END SEASON ON A HIGH

 The last match of the Stockport Ladies Hockey League for Reddish was against Forest, a team yet to win a match in the league so far this season. With the 12-nil win earlier in the season for Reddish against Forest, Reddish went into the match confident of a victory which could possibly mean a play-off against Stockport to decide the runners-up of the league.

Reddish started the game extremely brightly (to match the nice weather) and were immediately on the attack. The first trip for the attack into the Forest half went right into the D and the Forest keeper wad tested early with an array of shots from the forwards. The first goal was scored within the first three minutes as Natalie pushed the ball in at the back post. Reddish continued to press and attacking the Forest goal was the only thing on the agenda as shots and crosses were flying into the D from all angles.

The second goal was soon to follow when Cookie carefully placed the ball past the Forest keeper. Forest were unable to get the ball out of their own half as the Reddish defence would intercept the ball at half way and put the pressure right back on the Forest players. There was some excellent passing between the midfield and the forwards as plays were created on both the left and right sides with Amber, Lucy and Charlie placing the ball on the sticks of the forwards.

Dunners got the third Reddish goal with a reverse stick shot into the bottom left hand corner midway through the half. More drama was to follow as Reddish were awarded a Penalty Stoke because a Forest player deliberately stopped the ball going in by placing her foot in the way. However the score remained at three-nil as Charlie failed to convert as the Forest keeper pulled off an excellent save to her stick side. The first half was completely dominated by Reddish, with Forest only having a couple of opportunities to get into the Reddish D. Reddish would be looking to further increase their lead as they went into the second stage of the match.

The second half started as if the first had not ended. Reddish completely took the game to Forest and the fourth goal and Natalie’s second seemed to put the result of the game beyond any doubt, as she swept the ball and it went flying into the top right corner. Forest started to attack more in the second half and a few runs from their left wing put Reddish under a bit of pressure. They did get the ball into the Reddish circle but an ever ready Andrea who was suffering from an acute bout of hypothermia in the goal cleared the danger.

Reddish attacked and attacked and attacked earning themselves a number of short corners which were unable to be converted to increase the lead. Even so Reddish increased their lead through open play opportunities and Cookie got her second of the game pushing the ball past the Forest keeper making the score five. Dunners was close behind though to catch her up (Haha!) and also got her second of the game with a quick push into the bottom right corner.

The score was now six-nil and Charlie made it seven with a strong push past the keeper after an assist from Natalie’s face! The final score was seven-nil to Reddish, however it could have been a lot more for Reddish if the Forest defence and goal keeper were not in good form to stop all the shots which were flying in from everywhere. The result from this game emphasises the fantastic team spirit at Reddish and it was an opportunity to display the talent at the club which has provided some excellent performances throughout the season. Well done to everyone who has played and thank you to captain Mags for her work this season. You can finally your voice!!

All eyes will now turn to the result of the Stockport-Hadfield game to see if Reddish have clinched the runners-up spot.