Urmston Men’s 1s faced a tough first game back after the break, travelling away to Preston and coming up against a well-organised side. The opening half was evenly balanced, with both teams playing good hockey and creating chances without either side taking full control.

Urmston started brightly, competing well across the pitch and matching Preston’s intensity. The defence held firm and the midfield worked hard to keep the game tight. However, with just five minutes left of the first half, Preston found the breakthrough, scoring late to take a narrow lead into the break.

The second half saw Preston raise their level, putting Urmston under increased pressure. Despite a strong battle and continued effort from Urmston, a spell of disorganisation allowed Preston to capitalise, adding two further goals to extend their lead.

There were still plenty of positives for Urmston, particularly at the back. Man of the Match went to Aaron Kelly, whose world-class tackling and defensive reads prevented the scoreline from growing further and kept Urmston in the contest for long periods.

Wally of the Day was awarded to Jamil for an ambitious aerial pass that cleared the fence and landed in the car park - excellent vision, just slightly too much power.

A challenging result, but a competitive first half and individual performances to build on as the season gets back underway

Timperley 7 v Urmston Men's 2s
0 - 6

Urmston Men’s 2s produced a commanding performance against Timperley in what turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon of hockey. From the first whistle the team looked sharp, pressing confidently and moving the ball with purpose across the pitch.

It didn’t take long for Urmston to open the scoring, with Nate Illsley calmly slotting home after some quick interplay in the D. The hosts continued to dominate possession, creating chance after chance. Sohail Dar soon doubled the lead with a composed finish, before adding his second shortly after, leaving the Timperley defence chasing shadows.

Urmston’s fluid attacking play was a real highlight, with midfield link-ups pulling opponents out of shape and creating space on the edges of the D. Lawrence Sommer-Bennett was on hand to finish a neat passing move, and Ray Adamson extended the advantage with a thunderous strike that left the keeper with no chance.

The scoring was completed by Stephen Foy, who finished coolly after a driving run from defence put him through on goal.

While the scoreline was emphatic, what impressed most was the teamwork and positive energy throughout the squad. Defensively Urmston were solid, transitioning quickly and winning back possession to set up another wave of attack. It was a complete performance and a great advertisement for the spirit in this squad. A terrific result for the 2s and something to build on as the season continues.

Bowden 3 v Urmston Women's 1s
9 - 0

Urmston Ladies 1s returned to league action with a tough test against league leaders Bowdon, in what was always expected to be a challenging first game back. Bowdon started strongly, using their pace and movement to put Urmston under pressure early on.

Despite some determined defending and periods of good play from Urmston, Bowdon took control of the first half and went into the break with a 3-0 lead. Urmston continued to battle in the second half, but Bowdon’s quality and clinical finishing proved difficult to contain, with the game eventually ending 9-0.

There were still positives for Urmston, particularly between the posts. Player of the Match was awarded to Rachael Power, who made her debut in goal and produced a series of excellent saves, showing great composure under sustained pressure.

Wally of the Week went to Emma Brady for not fully reading the match details and questioning the kit colour just before the game.

Urmston Ladies 2s vs Manchester Moss Park Ladies 3
1 - 0

Urmston Ladies 2s returned from the winter break with a strong and hard-fought performance in a close, competitive game. The first half was well balanced, with good chances at both ends. Ciara, Georgia and Serena linked up well up front, with Georgia going close in a brave one-on-one with the keeper.

It was also Serena’s first game for the 2s after moving up from the development team, and she showed great determination, later slotting in well at centre half in the second half.

The second half was scrappy as both teams pushed for the win, with Ciara and Suji combining well down the left. The only goal came from a long corner — Becky played it back to Rachael, who found Ciara, and she drove past the keeper to score.

Players’ Player went to Ciara, with Wally of the Week to Rachael for giving away a couple of unnecessary short corners (thankfully well defended by Mel!).

A solid 1–0 win and a great team effort.

Urmston Ladies 1s vs Oldham
0 - 2

Urmston Ladies 1s were back in action again with a rearranged fixture against Oldham, following the postponement due to icy conditions the previous week. After a demanding game the day before, Urmston put in another committed performance.

The match was competitive throughout, with both sides creating chances but neither able to capitalise early on. Urmston worked hard to stay organised and looked to build attacks through the midfield, but Oldham eventually found two goals to secure a 2–0 win.

Despite the result, Urmston showed resilience across the pitch. Player of the Match went to Gemma Booth, who put in a strong all-round performance.

Wally of the Week was shared this time — Gemma Booth for picking up injuries, Laura Cotter for her holey socks, and Izzy Povah for her questionable geography.

Two tough fixtures in one weekend, but plenty of effort, teamwork, and spirit shown by the Ladies 1s.