3 games survived the stormy weather and resulted in 3 Fylde wins.
Doncaster 1 0-6 Fylde 1
Fylde Hockey Club produced a scintillating performance to defeat Doncaster Hockey Club 6-0 in the blustery conditions of Storm Darragh on Saturday. With this dominant victory, Fylde HC moves to the top of the league standings for the Christmas break, a well deserved position after several strong performances.
Fylde took little time to stamp their authority on the game, when Nicky Kellett created space for a shot across the Doncaster goal for Rebecca Worthington to deflect in at the back post. It wasn’t long before Worthington made it 2-0, latching onto a scramble in front of the Doncaster goal.
Fylde’s midfield, led by Lisa Perry and Lucy Wane, dominated the ball with quick passes and intelligent movement causing chaos for Doncaster. Fylde’s pressing was relentless and in the 35th minute Rosie Atkinson fired a ball into the D for Jess Wharton to finish. Just a minute later and Fylde got their 4th when Grace McGarvey unleashed a powerful reverse stick shot to beat the Doncaster keeper.
With the game firmly in their grasp, Fylde didn’t take their foot off the gas. Fylde’s defensive line of Vicky Rukin, Lucy Partington and Amy Carter, all finding balls through to the Fylde forwards. And on the 57th minute Jess Wharton ran clear of the Doncaster defence, around the keeper and slotted the ball into the goal for her second of the game and Fylde’s 5th.
Doncaster created a couple of chances late in the game but Fylde’s keeper Katie Barker held strong to keep her clean sheet. Fylde wrapped up the game with a well worked team goal from defence through to attack and for Worthington to set up Kellett for a well deserved goal. More forward play from Olivia Newman-Kirk almost saw Fylde get a 7th. Despite the weather, the match was a testament to Fylde’s grit and quality.
Didsbury Northern 2 1-4 Fylde 2
On Saturday 7th December, Fylde Ladies 2s travelled down to Didsbury Northern in the midst of storm Darragh.
In challenging weather conditions Fylde found themselves 1-0 up after a successful short corner with Megan Wildish taking a straight strike. As the game progressed Fylde’s determination and hard work got them well into the game with great passes coming from the back by Holly Farquharson and Grace Tomlinson.
Fylde managed to put away another couple of goals, one from open play from Izzy Mahon, and another from a short corner with a fantastic deflection from Dawn Child. Finishing the first half 3-0.
Going into the second half, Didsbury came at Fylde with a motivated attitude after a good team talk resulting in them scoring a goal making it 3-1. Fylde’s pressure eventually paid off when they were awarded with another goal from Dawn Child to make it 4-1.
Fylde attacked hard down the wing, winning many short corners, but not managing to score another goal. Both teams battled hard up to the last minute especially within the horrendous weather conditions - with a final score of 4-1 to Fylde!
Lancaster 2 0-3 Fylde 4
Fylde 4s delivered an impressive performance against Lancaster 2s, with Megan Hartley Smith proving unstoppable as she netted all three goals to secure a commanding 3-0 victory.
The opening goal came midway through the first half. Isla Carter began the attack with a brilliant solo run down the right hand side, avoiding defenders before delivering a cross to Megan Hartley-Smith at the top of the D. Demonstrating exceptional control, Megan dribbled past two defenders and calmly slapped the ball into the bottom corner, giving Fylde the early lead.
In the second half, Fylde extended their advantage through a well-executed short corner. Hollie Guthrie fired a powerful straight strike towards goal, and Megan Hartley-Smith deflected the shot into the back of the net, leaving the score at 2-0.
Megan Hartley-Smith completed her hat-trick with a clinical finish late in the game. Fylde won a short corner, where Caroline Bell received at the top of the D, slipped it right to Megan Hartley-Smith, where she slapped it past the keeper into the goal, sealing the victory for Fylde with her third goal of the day.
While the attack stole the spotlight, Fylde’s defensive unit deserves immense credit for their outstanding work. The backline, led by an organised and determined effort, maintaining a clean sheet. Key interceptions, tight marking, and exceptional communication ensured the opposition rarely threatened the goal. The team’s ability to transition from defence to attack was also instrumental in creating scoring opportunities.
The result reflects Fylde's dominance, with their fluid passing and sharp attacking play proving too much for Lancaster to handle. Megan Hartley-Smith’s standout performance was pivotal, earning her the well-deserved title of player of the match. Fylde 4s will undoubtedly be looking to carry this momentum forward into their next fixtures.
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