Urmston ran out 3 – 1 winners thanks to a hat-trick of goals from Oliver Cooper and some resolute defending from Player of the Match Nick ‘ooooh, vote for me, vote for me’ Wilson.

Nick would agree that he wouldn’t be able to do it without the tireless running of Nate Illsley, Martin Smith, Lawrence Sommer-Bennett, Kanad Nikam, Zak Ahmed, Savith Soni, James Coupe, Steve Holland, Steve Coupe, Andy Shenton, basically the whole team, not forgetting Ian Ross in goal. I think you get the picture.

Wally of the Week went to Richie May for abandoning ship and going to the Men’s 1s.

Bolton 1 v Urmston Women’s 1s
2 – 2

Urmston travelled to Bolton and the mist descended as the whilst went.

Whilst Bolton took an early lead, Urmston weren’t phased as they continued to send the ball upfield through the gaps in Bolton’s defence.

A run from Lucy Ross earned Urmston a short corner and up-stepped Cat Lyttle who netted a goal following a team effort and pass back from Emma Brady.

The game was quite even with both teams having opportunities in the opposition’s D. Shortly before half time, Bolton managed to squeeze a ball through a small gap between the post and stand-in goalie, Vic Edwards, who embraced her new temporary role.

Urmston came out in the second half knowing that the game was far from over.

Some great runs from Cat, Issy Povah and joint Players of the Match, Amy Querlioz and Charlotte O’Toole, saw Urmston have several attacks on goal.

After some lovely link-up play, Charlotte scored to bring the game to 2 – 2.

Whilst Bolton gained some advantages towards the latter stages of the game and were awarded a short corner five seconds before the final whistle, Urmston were solid in defence and earned a point from the fixture.

Wally of the Week went to Emma Brady for shrinking her hockey shoes in the wash.

Golborne and Prescot 1 v Urmston Men’s 1s
3 – 2

After four games without a win, Urmston were determined to get three points, but knew it would be tough as Golborne and Prescot are a physical team.

Whilst the opposition have been in form with only one loss, Urmston went out like it was any other team and followed their game plan.

Urmston’s defence did their job in the first half with only one goal getting through despite the D being penetrated several times.

Urmston got a goal from a short corner where Robert Aryeetey tapped the ball across the goal line.

In the second half, the match-up became tougher as tempers began to flare from Golborne and Prescot which saw the Urmston players become increasingly frustrated.

Urmston were 3 – 1 down until their flame ignited again and with a good run from Robert, Urmston won a penalty flick. Unfortunately, the goalkeeper dove the right way and saved the attempt.

Urmston didn’t give up and with around 15 minutes to go, there was still time. After several attempts, Captain, Tim Querlioz, netted one more goal to bring the score to 3 – 2.

After a tough battle, the final whilst went along with the three points Urmston wanted.

The discipline and determination that was shown throughout the game from Urmston was a delight to witness.

There were several players deserving of Player of the Match with votes going to Jacob Morton, Aaron Kelly, Iain Lawrence and Tim, but Robert took it for another week following some great runs, goals and the award of the flick.

Wally of the Week goes to Sam Entwistle for earning himself a card in the game.

Oldham 3 v Urmston Women’s 2s
2 – 3

On a wet and windswept Oldham pitch, Urmston 2s faced old rivals Oldham 3s.

A bare eleven dug in, despite the biblical conditions and started strong. A brilliantly judged through ball from Georgia O’Toole Smart was picked up by Ciara Carruthers who made a fantastic run and finish.

Oldham battled back with a lucky goal despite brilliant positioning play from stand-in goalie, Mel Whinfrey.

Undeterred, Urmston kept fighting and took the lead again shortly before half time, this time with a goal from Georgia Boothroyd who slotted home after another great Carruthers run.

The rain descended once more in the second half and Oldham stole an equaliser, but Urmston fought on and, with only a few minutes to go, a carbon copy of the first goal saw Ciara – who won a deserved Player of the Match award – net her second.

Ciara was also awarded Wally of the Week for her bravery at taking the goalkeeper on, but ending up on the ground with them.

A great three points for Urmston Women’s 2s.

Juniors – Under 10s

Urmston’s Under 10s took part in a tournament this week, albeit they had been incorrectly placed within the fixtures, but this did not phase them.

Every player battled hard against the opposition, but also the elements and still came off the pitch with a smile on their face.

Alice dominated in defence with superb technique. Corey led the field into attack, nearly scoring against a formidable Bowden.

Elizabeth volunteered as goalkeeper and made some beautiful saves.

Without the committed team work of all players, the scorelines would not have been so close. Well done everyone.