The first game of the 23/24 season and our Ladies 1s were facing a newly promoted, and eager to impress Stockport Bramhall side away from the home comforts (???) of Wellacre Academy. The weather was slightly warmer and sunnier than generally preferred for a game of hockey, but it made for a kinder transition back from the off season and summer holidays.

Having only been granted a 10 minute warm-up due to short-turnaround of games, Urmston still started well with plenty of precision passing and movement through the middle.

We were rewarded early on for our efforts shortly after attacking midfielder Becky Dean (who was, as put by Booth and Brady, 'hounding' Stockport's defence) intercepted a 16 hit out, sent it out to the left to a waiting Emma Brady, who delivered it to Moe Rothwell who made a lovely dink around Stockport's goalkeeper to find the back of the net. Urmston 1-0 Stockport.

Stockport were then awarded their first short corner owing to an Urmston player not being five metres away from a free hit inside our 25, and without any sort of gentle warning from the umpire first. Harsh but fair. However, the defensive line of Nicola Jeffries, Claire Crossley, Gemma Booth, Emily Fell and Sophie Barton ensured that a clean sheet was kept and shut down Stockport's attempt and two other shorts that seemingly followed in succession.

Amy Querlioz and Bea Holroyd were working well up the left and right wings and linking up with defensive mid, Lois Oliver, ensuring the opportunities kept presenting themselves. Déjà vu occurred around the 25 minute mark when Becky Dean sent a ball down the right wing, meeting Emma Brady on the baseline who sent the ball into a perfectly positioned Moe Rothwell on the p-spot who slotted home her second. Urmston 2-0 Stockport.

Half time.

Stockport came out strong in the second half as we expected and were eager to push for some goals. After several breaks into Urmston's half, one break too many resulted in a ball being fed into the D and a deflection off a wandering Stockport stick into the goal. Urmston 2-1 Stockport.

Urmston held strong from then on, marking players tight and not allowing Stockport the opportunity to enter our D. Eve Corbett made a great addition on our wings and ensured the 'hounding' started right from Stockport's 25.

Not long before the end and the sore legs and tired lungs were creeping in. Emma Brady went to take a sideline hit, only to smack the football post that had suddenly appeared behind her (or so she thought) on her upswing. As a result, she scuffed the ball and threw her hands up in disbelief, claiming for a foul by the innocent goal post, but alas, the game continued on.

"How long left umpire?"...."3 seconds" resulted in a very happy smile from Claire and the whistle blew shortly after.

Final score 2-1 to Urmston and a great start to the season!