All about the Ladies 3's this week with 2 games, 3 match reports, several photos and even 2 goals caught on video. Although the other ladies teams also had some very good results.
Newcastle University 1 2-3 Fylde 1
Fylde emerged victorious in a thrilling encounter against Newcastle University's 1st team, securing a 3-2 win to maintain their top of the league position, in a hard-fought contest that saw plenty of pressure from the university side.
The game started at a high tempo, with Fylde getting off to a flying start. Nicky Kellett was the first to strike, finding the back of the net in the early stages of the first quarter. The goal gave Fylde an early advantage, but Newcastle quickly responded with intensity, pushing for an equalizer.
Newcastle managed to level the score through sustained pressure, to make it 1-1. However, Fylde regained the lead with a brilliant moment of teamwork, where the ball was deflected into the net by Jess Wharton on the back post.
Newcastle responded once again, converting from a short corner to bring the game back to square one at 2-2. As the match neared its conclusion, the tension mounted, with both sides pushing for the crucial winning goal. With time running out, it was Megan Wildish who stepped up to the plate. A powerful, precise strike from a short corner found its way into the goal, giving Fylde the decisive lead at 3-2.
Despite relentless pressure from Newcastle in the final moments, Fylde held firm to secure the victory. The match was a true test of character and resilience.
Player of the Match was shared between Vicky Rukin, Lucy Partington, and Nicky Kellett for their tireless efforts and key contributions throughout the match. Fylde will look to build on this hard-earned victory before facing Alderley Edge in two weeks time.
Fylde 2 1-1 Lymm 1
A top of the table clash with Lymm resulted in honours even with a 1-1 draw, Fylde's goal scored by Dawn Child.
Fylde 3 5-2 Wigton 1
Captain's Report
The 3s went back to having amazing availability again the weekend which saw them to taking 15 players into todays game, at home grounds (which feels like ages since the last one).
The game started with Fylde’s push back where we dominated straight away pushing the defending team back and under pressure, this was rewarded by our first goal coming from Abbie Warburton. The game was level for a while whilst Fylde continued to dominate, Wigton managed to have a couple of break throughs which the Fylde defence were easily able to control however one time Wigton were success and made the score line 1-1.
As time ticked away and it was approaching half time Anna Vavoso and Sophia Melling managed to gain us a Penalty flick in which Abbie Southern stepped up to take, with composure she flicked the ball into the left side of the net making the score line 2-1 to Fylde in the 27th minute. This is how the score line went into the second half.
At half time the teams head held high and determined as they knew this was one of the best (if not the best) game all season. Not much changed going into the second half and Fylde continued to play in the same way which Wigton couldn’t handle. Outstanding skill from Anna Vavoso on the left worked the ball into the D and yet again increased the score to 3-1, the press was working well again for the 3s this week and tackles were on point, this forced Wigton into a lot of mistakes which we could take an advantage of.
2 minutes later Abbie Warburton made a perfect run down the left hand base line and crossed the ball over the Sophia Melling who tapped the ball into the back of the net. One of Wigton's players managed to push her way through our defender after another break through to score their second goal, however this didn’t phase Fylde and they kept pushing to slot away as many goals as possible.
In the 55th minute Fylde were awarded another short corner where the ball was injected to top D to Abbie Southern who slipped the ball left to Anna Vavoso after the original routine hadn’t gone to plan, Anna then took a shot which was saved on the line however Fylde didn’t give up there, Abbie Southern shouted for the ball in space where she dragged the ball away from the defender, then took a strike which landed in the back of the net (this is where she turned around in shock realising she had actually managed to score).
Fylde kept going to the end of the match where numerous more chances were created by rapid runs from Issy Gut and great crosses by Emily Greenwood after Melissa Johnson Parker continuously sent the ball up the line towards the base line. Natalie Smith had a great game with lots of 3D skills to pass the experienced 4th in the league side.
The game ended with a 5-2 win to Fylde 3s, these points were much needed and definitely showed the young side what they are capable of when they start the game with grit and determination, we hope for more insane results coming up. 3s go again tomorrow with a different squad for their rearranged game vs Clitheroe and Blackburn 1s which will be tough vs a top of the league side.
Player of the match was awarded to Abbie Southern for her 2 goals and for her overall performance throughout the match.
Coach's Report
Fylde Ladies 3’s confirmed their status as The Best Team in the World on Saturday afternoon after taking down league high flyers Wigton Ladies 1’s in a thriller at Mill Farm.
On a rare occasion where Fylde had almost full availability, they took full advantage of bringing a strong squad as they flew out the traps with a flurry of early chances. They controlled the game early with some slick passing moves, and were clearly on the hunt for a valuable 3 points.
They got their reward 8 minutes into the first half after the ball was played through midfield with Abbie Warburton starting the attack. She shifted the ball into the D which allowed Liz Johnson to get a strike away that was well saved by the Wigton goalkeeper, however the ball fell into the path of Abbie Warburton again who slapped the ball into the back of the net to make it 1-0.
This reporter can’t actually remember the Wigton goal that came next, but they made it 1-1 just before the 20 minute mark.
Fylde ended the half 2-1 up after some great play down the line to allow Anna Vavoso to connect with Sophia Melling in the D. Soph almost found herself with an open net but was cleaned out by the Wigton keeper in the process, resulting in a rare Penalty Flick. With the players stunned and plenty of cameras poised, up strolled Abbie Southern to calmly dispatch into the bottom left corner. Boom.
This ensured Fylde went into half time ahead leaving coach Jay Currey to ask the girls for more of the same. They obliged. Anna Vavoso danced her way through the D, beating about 3 players to slot into the far corner. This goal making her the new Top Goalscorer for the 3’s this season.
Keen to get in on the act, Sophia Melling made sure she got a reward for her hard work in the press to capitalise on Abbie Warburtons insane run down the left hand side with Soph tapping in at the back post. Even making sure she got awarded the goal afterwards in the all-important Teamo stats.
Fylde continued the ongoing assault with an ever changing front line of Issy Gut, Emily Greenwood, Sophia Melling and Anna Vavoso constantly looking to get on the ball and cause trouble. The pace of Issy and Em clearly causing trouble of their own as they both had to keep coming off to address injury problems. The midfield of Liz Johnson, Abbie Warburton, Jessica Jennings and Natalie Smith ran the show, always making things happen, switching the play and rotating between themselves. It was liquid hockey.
Lauren Appleyard, Abbie Southern, Hermione Edwards, Flo Worden, Melissa Johnson-Parker and the returning Jade Mottley tightened up at the back, making sure Sophie Slawson had an easy afternoon.
Now, a moment that stunned the maximum capacity Mill Farm crowd. The girls have been practicing Penalty Corners at training and wanted to make sure they scored from one. The ball was pulled out to the top D, slipped left to Anna Vavoso who had her shot cleared off the line, Abbie Southern demanded the ball back as she went on to slip past the Wigton runner before hitting the ball through a crowded D into the back of the net. Time stood still. The Coach stunned. The season ticket holders rioted. Shockwaves sent through the NWHL Div 2. Abbie Southern had scored twice. This capped off her thoroughly deserved Man of the Match performance, something I am sure we will never hear the end of.
As the team were clearly still in a trance, Wigton did manage to somehow get another to end the game 5-2. The only blemish of the game came in the dying seconds of the game as Hermione Edwards received a nasty injury to her hand. True dedication putting her body on the line for the team.
Performance of the season.
Everything the team have been working on clicked.
The Best Team in the World.
Up the 3’s.
Clitheroe Blackburn Northern 1 11-1 Fylde 3 (Sunday)
Today’s game was a rearranged fixture vs Clitheroe and Blackburn, Fylde went out onto the pitch after a disastrous morning of 4 drop outs due to various reasons, they couldn’t let this affect them and had to go out with what they could and try their best.
Fylde knew today’s match would be a difficult one vs a top of the league side. Clitheroe started extremely strong and their skilful players managed to get through repeatedly, however this was not to say that Fylde didn’t have their chances. The back 4 worked hard to delay Clitheroe entering the D however this proved to be tough.
Within the first half Clitheroe managed to score multiple goals. However Sophia Melling had a couple chances at goals and Abbie Warburton also gained Fylde a short corner. This short corner was injected by Rosie Leil to top D where Sophia Melling past the ball to the left to Abbie Southern took a shot as the Clitheroe and Blackburn players tried to intercept however this shot was saved by the goalie. Fylde went into half time knowing they just needed to keep playing as hard as they could do find some sort of result.
The second half started and Fylde continued to attempt to press against the experienced side. Shortly into the second half Sophia Melling and Charlotte Lavin managed to break through where Sophia took a straight strike from top D one on one with the goalie which gave Fylde their goal.
As the match went on Clitheroe and Blackburn took a shot on goal which hit Abbie Southern in the foot (which resulted her having to be carried off the pitch and spending next few hours in A&E with coach Jay Currey) after this point Clitheroe kept attacking in the D, finding the goalie a few more times however Sophie Slawson made some great saves throughout the match.
Player of the match was awarded to Abbie Warburton for her continued effort and skill throughout the game. Dick of the Day was awarded to Abbie Southern who firstly forgot her shoes and the kit bag after her dad drove off and he had to turn back, and then for getting injured and spending the day in hospital. Fylde will leave this game behind them but continue to work hard at training her the next few weeks to prepare for their next match.
Fylde 4 3-2 Leyland & Chorley 1
Fylde 4's claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Leyland and Chorley in an intense match that saw plenty of action at both ends of the pitch. The game was evenly matched throughout, with both teams showing resilience and determination.
The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating chances but failing to break the deadlock early on. Camilla Wyles was the standout player for Fylde, as she scored two stunning reverse-stick goals to give her side a 2-1 lead going into the halftime break. Her composure in the attacking circle was crucial in keeping Fylde in the game. Leyland and Chorley equalised just before the break, leaving the match all square at 2-2, setting up a thrilling second half.
In the second period, Fylde came out with renewed energy, and once again, it was Camilla who made the difference. She completed her hat-trick with another well-taken reverse-stick goal, putting Fylde ahead 3-2. Despite some late pressure from Leyland and Chorley, Fylde's defence stood firm, and they held on to secure the three points.
The victory was a testament to Fylde's resilience, and Camilla's clinical finishing was the difference in a hard-fought match. Fylde will be looking to build on this momentum for next week.
Preston 3 0-1 Fylde 5
Fylde 5s didn’t get off to the best start on Saturday as the meet time was too short and the captain was late! With no time to warm up or even touch a ball, Fylde rushed to positions on Preston’s pitch. Preston were victorious at our previous fixture so we really wanted to bring the game to them.
The first ten minutes were easily Preston’s game, they took full advantage of having young, fast players and Fylde struggled to get a grip on defending when the opposition were coming at such speed. Despite this, Dawn Perruzza and Evelyn So, with the guidance of goal keeper Emily Byers, held the circle well and give us time to get into the game. The tables started to turn and Fylde were pushing up the pitch, Evie Dunne finding Aimee Jennings and Kayt Raynor on left to drive into the circle. A number of penalty corners were won by Fylde, but none converted as Preston defended well. Lois So made her debut and worked well as a half, and luckily avoided injury as she was thrown about by a Preston player. Hollie Twose and Gabriella Hopley-Sherratt continued to take chances in the circle but couldn’t quite finish the job. Leah Richmond rejoined from the bench as a forward and put pressure of Preston’s defence, looking for feet in the circle.
At half time, we were nil nil but fair to say, we felt the pressure. This game could go either way. Fylde restarted with the pushback and maintained the effort and energy of the end of the first half. Jess Grice supported the left defence and Tilly Tomlinson came on to run riot in the midfield. We finally rattled Preston and as they made more mistakes, Fylde balanced out with less. Hattie Tollerson and Niamh Smith worked hard to pick the ball up around the 23 and deliver it to Fylde sticks waiting in the circle. Another Fylde penalty corner was initially unsuccessful but after several shots in quick succession from Kayt Raynor, Hollie Twose, Niamh Smith and Aimee Jennings, Kayt found Gabriella on the far post who diligently tapped it in.
A relief to take a short lead, but tactics changed to keep Preston from equalising. They had several penalty corners awarded towards the end of the second half, but Fylde defended well and Emily Byers ensured a clean sheet. We counted down the final minutes and came away with a hard fought win.
Fylde 6 Development 6-2 Leyland & Chorley 2
It is a rare occasion when school fixtures align perfectly with club fixtures across the board. Today was one of those Saturdays as Fylde fielded strong squads across all teams and gained great results!
Fylde 6/Development Team were the last scheduled of four home fixtures at Mill Farm. They were playing Leyland & Chorley 2, top of the division, and with one or two players doubling up from their previous 1st Team game against our 4th Team. Fylde had 14 players and a great mix of youth and experience. Mother and daughter pairings, Clare & Sophia Taylor, Heather & Lauren Appleyard (umpire) alongside keen adults Finney, Knowles and Loffler-Thompson, gave depth to youthful skill and enthusiasm!
Michelle Finney opened the scoring with a classic poachers tap-in on the far post, so the opposition quickly replied in earnest!
Our youngsters outnumbered their experienced players with addition skill and speed! Sophia Taylor added two more to her club tally with Alyssa Woodman, Sadie Atkinson and Layla Oaks scoring more whilst overwhelming the opposition.
Occasionally Leyland & Chorley broke through but the solid defence of Heather, Faith, Evie and debutant Emma Wilkinson stayed firm.
Only one more goal was conceded whilst Bella continued to frustrate their defence without a goal. Fylde came out worthy winners with a squad of super talent and energy right to the end of the match. Faye the goalie seemed as fresh as a daisy having had a quiet game but all went away happy, despite an unfortunate opposition injury which meant that the game finished two minutes early without time for more goals!
South Lakes 1 5-2 Fylde 1
Fylde Men had one of their longest away trips to Ulverston to play South Lakes, 2nd in the division but arguably the best team. Having conceded two early goals in the 6-4 loss at home earlier in the season, Fylde somehow managed to replicate the feat with two soft goals conceded within the first 10 minutes.
Once the team had woken up they started to compete and launched some attacks down both wings, although found the opposition defence hard to penetrate around the D. It was South Lakes who extended their lead to 3-0, when at a short corner their initial strike on goal managed to hit goalkeeper Craig Nutter in the nuts. Despite protection there was a loud groan and whilst momentarily incapacitated, an opposition player took advantage with the ball on the floor to tap in.
Fylde had a stern talking to at half-time with extra effort required in the second half. However another poor piece of defending saw South Lakes go further ahead not long after the restart.
Gradually Fylde started to make inroads, whether from their own increased effort, their intelligent use of 3 subs, or due to South Lakes own rotation of their full squad of 16. There were some lovely displays of possession and passing. Eventually the pressure made a difference with Charlie Oliver finding space in the D and hitting a shot on goal. Phil Hope was able to give the ball some encouragement with a little touch in front of the goalie, so that it lifted into the net.
Fylde conceded a fifth goal when Phil Weir was pressurised at the back and made a mistake. However Fylde never gave up, and Oli Adewale had an inspiring run on the right wing, passing several defenders and driving the ball into the D on the bye-line. He managed to pass the ball to Phil Hope in front of goal, and he doesn’t miss from that range, especially when he’s competing to be the team’s top scorer, and has now a total of 11, just 1 behind his son Luke Hitchen’s total of 12.
Final score 2-5 but a good natured game against the best team in the division, and lessons to take away for Fylde who are still developing as a team. The Man of the Match vote was close to unanimous for Oli Adewale for his effort all game.
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