Following a disappointing performance last week, Urmston knew that they could do better, but also that it would be a tough ask against a team like Eirias who have been doing so well in recent fixtures.

With a bare 11 because of illness, Urmston set up in a defensive formation to try and counter any chances Eirias created.

Whilst effective for the most part, Urmston conceded three goals within the first half.

Urmston were spurred on by the chances that they were creating. Issy Povah went on a run through the midfield and forced an error by Eirias which won Urmston a short corner.

As Emily Fell fed the ball out to Cat Lyttle, Cat placed the ball beautifully in the bottom corner of the goal giving Urmston their first goal.

With one player already carrying an injury going into the game, two more of Urmston’s players picked up a strain as half time approached.

Not to be deterred by the constant refreshing of the Eirias team with all of their subs, Urmston came out ready to battle on.

Another short corner was won by Urmston’s attack and this time Emily converted the opportunity to make it 2 – 3.

Not willing to give up, Eirias countered with another attack in an attempt to cushion their lead. Urmston overturned the attack to make it their own forcing yet another error from Eirias and winning another short corner.

Up stepped Cat once again with a powerful ball straight into the back of the goal to bring the score level at 3 – 3.

Eirias are a very good side and had the fresh legs to send another attack Urmston’s way. This time it put them in the lead with their fourth goal.

The teamwork, determination and resilience of Urmston really shone through as they refused to lie down. Emily stepped up to convert yet another short corner to make it 4 – 4.

Eirias had their fair share of short corners too, many of which were in the last few minutes of the game. Urmston knew that they did not deserve to be beaten and fought to the end to defend their goal.

A great battle was had with wounds to prove it, but it felt worth it. One Urmston spectator said, “Heads could have gone, but it was really good to see the resilience in the team”.

Player of the Match went to Georgia O’Toole-Smart for her quick interceptions, considered passing, runs down the wing and overall great play.

Wally of the Week was also Georgia O’Toole-Smart for losing her stick (taken by an Eirias player) but continuing to chase the ball in an attempt to play it.

Bowden 7 v Urmston Women’s 2s
5 – 2

Down to just 10 players, Urmston put in a huge shift against Bowdon.

Urmston came out strong matching Bowdon for pace.

Becky Shepherd thought she had opened the scoring from a short corner but it was ruled out for being too high.

Bowdon then scored, but Urmston won another short corner with Becky stepping up to convert it beautifully and level the score.

The second half saw tired legs in the warm autumn sun, but Urmston kept the pressure on with some lovely passing through the midfield.

Laura Cotter and Maisie Power made some great attacking runs, supported brilliantly by Suji Banerjee.

In the last few minutes of the game, Becky played a perfect ball across the goal for Laura to finish on the post.

A tough game, but Urmston showed loads of grit and great team play throughout.

Player of the Match went to Laura Cotter for her tireless runs and late goal.

Wally of the Week went to Becky Shepherd for that spectacularly disallowed lifted goal.

West Derby 1 v Urmston Men’s 1s
9 – 1

West Derby were a decent side who took the lead early on and dominated for the majority of the game.

Urmston struggled to maintain their structure and motivation, but managed to pull a goal back as Tim Querlioz went on a run up the pitch and scored from a reverse strike at the top of D.

Player of the Match went to Alfie Ray who made some great saves. The scoreline definitely didn’t reflect Alfie’s contribution to the game.

Wally of the Week went to Jamil Ahmed for not knowing Iain’s name.

Macclesfield Development v Urmston Women’s Development
1 – 5

It was a day for sisters on Sunday when Urmston travelled to Macclesfield. Edie and Rosa O’Boyle and Georgia and Ella Boothroyd took to the pitch.

Urmston had a strong team out with three of the more experienced juniors playing too.

Urmston were on the attack from the off, going 0 – 2 up following two lovely goals from Edie.

Macclesfield pressed well with some good forward runs, but they weren’t a match for Urmston’s strength in midfield with Rosa, Serena Vickers, Georgia Boothroyd and Georgia O’Toole-Smart holding them back.

When the ball did get through, the backs were solid and very few attacks penetrated Urmston’s defence.

Two goals from Georgia O’Toole-Smart and another from Edie put the game out of Macclesfield’s reach.

Player of the Match went to Rosa O’Boyle for her great tackles, lovely passes to her teammates, constant running and high energy.

Well done also to Ella, Serena and Brooke Naylor who also got some well deserved votes.

Junior Training
Well done to Alice for being Star of the Week. A force to be reckoned with.

Under 10’s
The Under 10’s took to the pitches at The Armitage Centre for the first time this season.

A fantastic afternoon was had by all as the team showed good listening skills and team work, with Thea and Daniel scoring some great collaborative goals. Daniel’s goal was against a keeper too.

Player of the Day went to Daniel who showed some great individual skill and grit in midfield.

A shout out to Elliott too who was solid in defence and made really good choices when passing the ball to help his team.