The first of four home games on Saturday saw Urmston Women’s 2s raring to go with a full squad and following some good cohesive play in recent weeks (even if the results and points haven’t quite been converting).

The game started very evenly and the new (and very welcome) faces on the pitch got stuck right in to help create some really nice passages of play. The action going forward resulted in a few short corners which we couldn’t quite get into the goal but which were the fruit of a more attacking style of play we have been trying to develop, and the goals will come. Before half time the opposition managed to sneak a goal at the back post and we went into the break one nil down but knowing it could be our game for the taking.

After a shuffle in formation for the second half and with the support of those on the sidelines who had come early to watch us, we continued to push through a solid Bramhall team.

Ciara Carruthers and Suji Banerjee in particular were very creative and effective in the midfield, feeding up to the ever-roadrunner-esque Lucy Ross who continued to threaten the opposition D. Urmston pushed hard, but were unlucky to concede a second goal from a short corner with the game closing 0 – 2.

Communication was good throughout and the effort from everyone couldn’t be faulted.

Maisie Power won Player of the Match – she was everywhere!! Maisie’s game is really evolving week by week and she has a great understanding of positioning on the pitch.

Wally of the Week hands down had to go to Rachael Power who seemed to forget that she was playing hockey as opposed to participating in a WWE match as she demonstrated a full body slam take down on Stockport’s number one runner on a short corner. The Rock would have been proud!!

All in all, despite the cold and rainy conditions and the result, it was a good performance and it’s fantastic to see both new faces and how players’ games are developing.

Onwards!

Urmston Women’s 1s v Crewe Vagrant 1
1 – 1

Urmston played host to Crewe who have always shown themselves to be a strong opponent.

Without their usual warm up time, Urmston received a good talking to from their Coach as they looked like the more amateur team before pushback.

Once the whistle went, Urmston kicked into gear and stood strong as Crewe tried to attack.

Each player did their job well, holding the press and marking successfully with any loose ball being mopped up by Kit Young in goal.

Crewe took the lead at half time, but this was down to Urmston not playing to the whistle, not because Crewe were in any way superior to Urmston.

Whilst Urmston only had one sub, Crewe constantly rolled three subs on and off the pitch. Urmston adapted well with effective communication to ensure that each change in personnel was well managed.

The second half showed Urmston’s tenacity as they continued to push on and put Crewe’s defence under pressure as they attempted to work it around the back.

A couple of short corners did not come to fruition, but Urmston weren’t going to give it up. Emma Brady and Becky Dean were poised at the top of the D and as the ball came out, Becky took control and sent the ball straight into the back of the net.

A great team effort to secure a point on the board.

Player of the Match went to Issy Povah for her work off the ball and cover across the pitch.

Wally of the Week was split between Jessica Buckley for not actually making it to the game because she got stuck in traffic, Gemma Booth for somehow managing to lose the ability to pass the ball to an Urmston player and Charlotte O’Toole for causing confusion by caring for a player’s wellbeing.

Urmston Men’s 1s v City of Manchester 1
2 – 2

After two back to back losses, Urmston Men’s 1s needed a win.

With a strong squad of 15 players, Urmston were determined to get three points which would put them on more than they had for the whole of last season.

City of Manchester started very strong and scored first following some good open play and a solo run from one of their players.

Urmston reacted quickly with Hamza Ahmed scoring from a short corner to make it 1 – 1.

A second goal was scored by City of Manchester putting Urmston in a difficult position and meaning they had to work harder to pull it back.

Urmston won a short corner which was converted by Urmston’s new Ghanaian player Robert Aryeetey.

Unfortunately, Urmston didn’t manage to get another goal, but a draw seemed to be a fair result as the game could have gone either way.

Player of the Match went to Robert for the most wholesome goal celebration.

Honourable mentions to go Iain Lawrence for a quality display and Hamza for a solid performance and his first goal of the season.

Wally of the Week was awarded to Andy Power – ‘bald, hungover and no goals’.

Honourable mentions to Jacob Morton for his aerial trap and Alex Duncan for his comedy fall/spin/pass.

Urmston Men’s 2s v Bury 2
1 – 6

Urmston came back down to earth with a bump this weekend.

After a fantastic start to the season, Urmston lost only their second game to a very well drilled Bury side whose counter-attacking style caught Urmston out time and again.

Positives can be taken from the game though, with some very good passages of play and ball retention.

Player of the Match goes to Nate Illsley for some excellent play up front.

Wally of the Week goes to Ian Entwistle for being the losing captain.

Thank you to the supports who came down. Sorry we couldn’t put on a better show.

Under 12s

Urmston’s Under 12 Girls were on FIRE – they all played absolutely amazing.

Conceding one goal but putting 16 past the opposition!!

Chloe, Willow and Elizabeth were solid in defence linking up well with Annie, Jess, Val and Ella to convert chances into goals.

The team were passing to each other with speed, confidence and accuracy.

Outstanding team play with 5 out of 5 wins!!

Urmston’s Under 12 Boys won their first and last game.

Again, they battled hard with Seb scoring a superb goal against the keeper.

Player of the Day went to Dexter who is following in his super star sister’s footsteps.