No league games during half-term but a single cup game bringing a home victory.
Fylde 4 3-1 Longridge 2
Lancashire Cup Round 1
Fylde secured a strong 3-1 victory over Longridge in an intense and skilful game. The home side showcased impressive coordination and control from the first whistle, setting the pace early in the first half.
Despite the final score, Longridge struck first, putting Fylde on the back foot early in the game. With a well-executed goal that broke through Fylde’s defence this set back Fylde 1-0.
Fylde pushed high and took back control again. Fylde's equaliser goal came from Sophia Melling, who confidently converted a well-timed pass from Abi Wensley. The duo executed a slick play, with Wensley receiving the ball from Isla Carter down the right wing, leaving Wensley to run towards the baseline and passing to Melling who was on the post and tapped it in, making the score 1-1.
Fylde kept up the pressure for the remainder of the half. Soon after, Hollie Twose picked the ball up in the D from the midfield players and had a reverse shot. Unfortunately tackled by Longridge’s defence but Melling was right behind She won back the ball and slapped it into the bottom corner past the keeper, making the score 2-1 to Fylde at half time.
The second half saw Fylde come out with renewed intensity and a clear game plan to secure their lead. They controlled possession, moving the ball swiftly through midfield. This kept Longridge’s defence constantly under pressure. Fylde’s forwards (Kayt Rayner, Sophia Melling and Abi Wensley) pressed high, and their disciplined structure forced Longridge to play more defensively, limiting their scoring chances.
Midway through the half, Wensley found a gap in Longridge’s defence, firing a powerful shot into the bottom corner making it 3-1. After the third goal, Fylde focused on maintaining control, balancing aggressive offense with tight, organised defending. They slowed the pace when needed, making sure to manage the game effectively and denying Longridge any clear scoring opportunities.
Goalkeeper Emily Byers and defenders Zoe Kirkham and Lauren Mayor worked seamlessly to deflect any attempts from Longridge. As the final whistle approached, Fylde kept up the energy, showing composure and discipline. Strong work from Sara Jane Tomlinson on her debut for the 4s, working well in the midfield transferring the ball from Alys Williams on the left to Fylde’s forwards.
Fylde’s strong performance in the second half sealed a well-deserved 3-1 victory, demonstrating Fylde's teamwork and resilience in the face of early pressure. Player of the match was awarded to Sophia Melling for her excellent work in the forward line always being available for the ball and beating multiple defenders to create chances in the D for Fylde. The maturity of the players was inspiring to be around. Substitutions were finally seen as a positive aspect of the game. No one appeared to let emotions get to them if challenged or heckled by the other team.
Comments