Match Reports – 30-09-23

Whitchurch ladies 1s 6 Runcorn Ladies 1s 0
Whitchurch were excited to play their first home game of the season, however they were not going to let the weather dampen their spirits. From the off Whitchurch looked to score and a penalty flick won and converted by Georgia Monroe lifted their spirits. Runcorn attacked down the right side however excellent defending from Sarah Kay and Chloe Lloyd stopped them in their tracks and a quick turn over allowed Jasmine Williams to slot home to double the reds lead.
A marvellous half time talk from an injured Captain Cath Gresty inspired the ladies who again came out hard. The defensive efforts between Katie Laffey, Hermione Ball and Hayleigh Busby meant that Caroline Williams was only called into action a handful of times. Whitchurch were taking advantage of a tiring Runcorn and a burst of speed from Poppy Gilbert down the left side found Hayley Kellet who fired home to put the reds 3-0 up.
Whitchurch focused on quick link ups between Lisa Sullivan, Holly Edwards, Poppy Huxley and Hayley Kellet, this allowed Monroe to get her second of the game. Again the reds won a short corner, which Sullivan perfectly fired into the backboard. The reds continued their push for more and a link up from Monroe and Busby allowed her to slot home for Whitchurch’s sixth of the game.
Whitchurch look to face Lymm away next week.

Whitchurch Men’s 2s 2 Alderley Edge Men’s 6s 2

On a rainy Saturday afternoon Whitchurch entertained Alderley Edge. From the start Edge passed the ball quickly around and Whitchurch knew they were in for a tough match.

Despite the lack of possession Whitchurch remained untroubled by the Alderley attacks and soaked up the pressure through the defence of Lucas Hill, Danny Foulkes, Adam Rance and Thomas Wyndham- Lewis.

As the game settled, Whitchurch began to get more possession and cause Alderley more problems in their defence. Both teams were equally matched and for much of the match cancelled out each other. In the end the game came down to a couple of pieces of individual skill.

Alderley took the lead through a well worked goal and within minutes Whitchurch were equal as man of the match Nik Moga broke down the right and picked out Archie Phews on the back post to draw Whitchurch level.

Whitchurch then took the lead as Will Edwards, Airan Jones and Martin Beecher linked through the midfield. A foul on Beecher saw the Alderley defence slow to reset and Beecher took full advantage to slot the ball into the bottom corner.

Whitchurch continued the second half as they finished the first, rolling substitutes kept up the pressure on Alderley with Alfie Edwards and Liam Pallet swapping in midfield.

Whitchurch had further chances to increase their lead with Beecher receiving a pass from Charlie Edwards and the subsequent cross just missing the diving Airan Jones on the back post.

Alderley were awarded a penalty corner and drew level as a deflection left captain Neil Jones no chance of saving. This set up a tense last ten minutes to the match as both sides went for the win.

Craig Hockenhull broke from midfield and through the Alderley defence picking out Oliver Edwards who was denied by a fine save from the Alderley keeper.

The result saw the points shared in what was a hard fought thoroughly competitive game.

Alderley Edge ladies’ development 0 Whitchurch Ladies 3s 2

Whitchurch started the game quickly with strong passes between Bella Morris, Jan Teggin and Freya Gresty, this created space to pass around the back to Izzy Gilbert and Elsie-May Cottrell and work the ball down the right through Mabel Hazlehurst. A quick pass from Erin Harden picked out Sue Read in the dee and her slip pass to Freya Gresty saw her shot rebound off the keepers’ pads for a penalty corner.

The second half saw Whitchurch come out pushing for a goal and from a penalty corner Rachel Chesters gave them the lead.

Alderley Edge started to push forward looking for an equaliser and from a fine tackle and pass from Esme Mackreth she set free Freya Kellet who made a fantastic run down to the right passing to Sue Read to score Whitchurch’s second.

Alderley continued to push forward and won a short corner which was calmly defended by goalkeeper Phoebe Gregory. In the final minutes some lovely skill by Alice Snaith in midfield created a chance for Whitchurch but it was not to be.

Sandbach Men’s 1s 3 Whitchurch Men’s 1s 2

In a thrilling early season hockey clash, Whitchurch 1’s faced off against Sandbach 1’s, and the match proved to be a rollercoaster ride. Whitchurch unfortunately found themselves in a tough situation early on as they went down 3-0 within the first 15 minutes of play. Sandbach were quick off the blocks and showed their attacking prowess right from the start.

However, Whitchurch displayed remarkable resilience and determination. Just before the half-time whistle, Tom Forster delivered a stunning strike into the back of the net. It was a moment of brilliance as he capitalized on a rebound from the keeper’s save during a short corner. This crucial goal gave Whitchurch a glimmer of hope as they headed into the break trailing 3-1.

The second half brought renewed energy and determination from Whitchurch. They controlled the game, putting immense pressure on the Sandbach defense. It didn’t take long for their efforts to pay off. Phil Handley showcased his skills with a well-executed goal after some tight play in the Sandbach D, narrowing the score to 3-2.

Whitchurch continued to dominate the second half, launching attacks and creating opportunities. However, despite their relentless efforts, they couldn’t find the equalizer. Sandbach’s defense held strong, denying Whitchurch any more goals.

In the end, it was a valiant effort by Whitchurch as they fought back from a three-goal deficit to make it an extremely close contest. The match ended with a final score of 3-2 in favor of Sandbach, but Whitchurch’s second-half performance left the players proud of their determination and fighting spirit.