Urmston Women’s 2s travelled to Buxton with just nine players instead of the usual eleven, but, honestly, the attitude and energy was unreal from start to finish.

This was one of those games that reminds you what team spirit really looks like.

Mel Whinfrey stepped up in the biggest way by going in goal even though she would normally play at left half. Mel pulled off some brilliant saves, especially during Buxton’s short corners, meaning Urmston held strong with the help of the defenders.

Urmston battled together, stayed positive and kept working for each other even though the game concluded with a 5 – 0 defeat.

Suji Banerjee had a standout performance on the left wing, bursting forward with some fantastic runs straight up to the D. Urmston couldn’t quite get the extra support up there, but the intent was certainly noted.

At the back, Maisie Power had an incredible game at right back, stepping into every challenge and keeping Buxton out of Urmston’s D time after time.

Both Debra Lawrence and Grace Carruthers played in their first 2s game and they were brilliant. Debra even took a ball to the face and carried on like an absolute warrior. Grace made a huge tackle that turned the game in Urmston’s favour who definitely deserved more from the game.

Despite her heroics, Mel secured Wally of the Week for the very casual moment a ball just…. slowly rolled under her foot to give Buxton their third goal just before half time.

A special note from Vice Captain, Becky Shepherd, who said:
‘Rather than Player of the Match votes, we want a mention for our exceptional Captain, Rachael Power, who ran like her life depended on it, putting in crucial tackle after crucial tackle’.

A tough result, but honestly an amazing performance from a team of nine players who never stopped playing for each other. Onwards to next week!!

Wrexham Glyndwr 1 v Urmston Women’s 1s
0 – 1

Urmston travelled to Wrexham for a lunchtime pushpack.

Always a tough fixture, but even more so with a bare eleven players and some still with injuries.

Urmston were not going to travel all that way to lie down. Everyone went straight into it with a can-do attitude and showed what they could do.

The first half was quite even, but the sun was working in Wrexham’s favour as Urmston struggled to distinguish the shirt colours as they attacked into the bright light.

At half time, Urmston knew that Wrexham were theirs for the taking and pushed on.

A short corner was won, but not easily converted. Urmston did not stop as the Wrexham defence tried to keep it out, but Emma Brady tucked it away beautifully.

Wrexham fought back, but were kept at bay by Urmston.

Player of the Match went to Laura Cotter who had a fantastic game demonstrating what she can do with a stick and a ball.

Wally of the Week went to Moe Rothwell for confirming to the parking attendant that she was there for the ‘Wrexham game’. Whilst that was true, Moe almost incurred a £12 parking fee as the attendant was there for the Wrexham Football Club game, not our hockey fixture.

Neston 2 v Urmston Men’s 1s
4 – 0

Urmston Men’s 1s travelled to Neston play their 2s for a game which they knew would be difficult given they are second in the league.

Urmston set out with a more defensive formation and a couple of changes of role within the team.

Having two new players and some key teammates missing, Urmston had nothing to lose and were determined to try their best, stick to the plan and support one another.

The first half went well with Urmston managing to keep Neston at bay until two short corners resulted in two goals before half time. Urmston had a couple of chances, but these weren’t converted.

Urmston’s hard work continued into the second half as they created more chance, won penalty corners and even a penalty flick, but it seemed that it just wasn’t their day to put the ball into the back of the net.

Neston netted two more goals, but Urmston did not stop and maintained the high intensity.

An amazing performance from the team. For a while, Urmston thought the win was theirs to take and on another day it absolutely is.

Player of the Match went to Alex Duncan who showed great composure throughout the game with very few mistakes.

Wally of the Week went to Martin Stonehouse for his shocking aerial last week. The team still aren’t over it.

Rochdale 2 v Urmston Men’s 2s
0 – 1

Another away game saw Urmston Men’s 2s travel to Rochdale.

Thankfully, Urmston had been stripped of all but one of their usual junior players (this was not a game for young heads), therefore, the old dogged players had to dig deep to grind out a result.

What a result it was too!!

From back to front, Urmston gave a resilient performance in which they lost their only sub to injury during the latter stages of the first half, but saw them come away with a one-nil victory thanks to a Sohail Dar goal.

Special mentions go to Martin Smith for ably playing out of position at left back and Ian Ross in goal with his shiny new leg guards and body armour bin bags. Yes, really!!

Player of the Match went to James Coupe who kept playing against all adversity.

Roll on next week!!

Stockport Bramhall Development v Urmston Women’s Development
4 – 0

On Sunday, Urmston’s Development team travelled to Stockport. Both teams were quite evenly matched with each having equal possession.

There were some lovely attacks down the flanks from Amanda Cuttell, Holly Crosier and Nell Chadwick on the right, with Grace Gauntlett-Hessing, Brooke Naylor and Ella Boothroyd on the left.

Ellyn Willets gave a solid performance in her Urmston debut as defensive centre half.

Stockport broke the deadlock with a goal late into the first half. The second half saw Urmston come under more attacks, but they were able to break on the counter only to be stopped by a solid Stockport defence.

Unfortunately, Stockport scored three more times in quick succession which was a blow to Urmston given it was such an even game to that point.

Player of the Match went to Nell for playing both attack and midfield on the right, as well as listening and tracking back to make some important interceptions.

Under 10s
What an impressive performance from the Urmston Under 10s.

Starting with a draw, followed by some wins, Urmston’s resilience playing a player down for the whole match was inspiring as everyone gave 110%.

This effort was reflected in the Player of the Day vote which went to Corey, Daniel and Theo. Everyone was Charlotte’s Player!!

The Star of the Week went to Jessica for her superb defensive skills which allowed her team to keep a clean sheet.