Woodbank v Lytham (12th Jan)

Our 2nd game of the new year, and a tough one. Top of the table clash with Lytham. Our last encounter ended 3-0 to them. We were hoping for a better result this time, and with us being in their backyard this time out, it wasn’t going to be easy.

Paul and myself have seen a vast improvement in the team over the last month or two, and we were hoping that this would become more apparent today.

The weather wasn’t the best, we were practically playing on the beach, and the wind was pretty strong coming in from the sea. 1st half and Lytham had the wind in their favour. That didn’t put us off though, we very quickly got hold of the game and with a move down the right hand side, a cross in from Megan F, and a final touch from Jenny, we were 1-0 up. What a start to the game, and I don’t think Lytham were expecting that.

The wind was picking up and Lytham started to punish us for the early goal, keeping the ball in their half and banging in 3 goals. We didn’t drop our heads and the girls battled on getting a couple of chances, one of which counted. Megan F getting a very valuable goal just before half time. 3-2 and a great way to start the 2nd half with the wind in our favour.

2nd Half, and I think Lytham realised they were not playing the same team they had played earlier in the season, the improvement was apparent. We had the wind behind us, and we were hoping to take advantage of that.

Lytham didn’t let up, and played some good defensive football, their goalkeeper also quick off her line to pick up our through balls. Some way in and Lytham struck again, not the best of things to happen, but again our girls showed good spirit and made some good chances, Hannah doing some good footwork in front of goal, but stopped by the goalie and also an offside decision which was unlucky. Amy also hitting the crossbar again, same as the previous week. One’s going to go in for Amy sooner or later. Time I’m afraid beat us to it, the final whistle and 4-2 end result. We gave them a very good game, hopefully opening their eyes to an improved Woodbank team that is improving all the time. Megan F picked up the opposition vote, and we gave ours to Liv S. All the girls played outstanding, please keep up the good work, you are all playing great football.

Woodbank Warriors vs Rossendale Mavericks (6th Jan 08)

This was our first game after the Christmas break and traditionally our Warriors have been caught still in holiday mode on this fixture. However, after a lively training session, our girls were certainly up for this game.
Rossendale had cancelled this fixture last year due to a couple of Academy players not being able to play for them!! Not fair really but Academy players or not, our girls were out to prove a point.

A lively start resulted in Jenny running clear and blasting the ball only to be saved by their goalie. Good defending by Anna and Megan W started another attack. Ele slotted a through ball again into Jenny’s path for her to run clear. This time the goalie had no chance with a thunderous shot hitting the back of the net. One nil.
With Rossendale shell shocked, we mounted another attack. Hannah and Emily passing and moving (the training is working!!!). Emily shot from distance. The goalie managed to stop the ball only for Hannah in true ‘Robbie Fowler’ style to finish off the rebound.
Two nil.

Emily and Liv ran the game from midfield with some great interplay. Megan F took no prisoners tackling hard and causing no end of trouble for Rossendale.
In true Warriors style we then decided to give the visitors a chance. Failing to clear the ball from defence we allowed Rossendale an easy goal giving Bertie no chance at all.
Half Time. Two one up.

After admiring the East Lanc’s Steam Train, our Warriors got to work. Bronya, Mya and Frankie combined well in defence to stop anything Rossendale to throw at us. Anna was a tower of strength. Megan W capped a great game by starting the next goal. Sending Ele on one of her bounding runs down the left wing before passing to Megan F. A combination of skill, strength and determination and it was 3 – 1.
Again we let Rossendale back into the game. 3 – 2.
Bertie however was outstanding again. With a combination of stunning saves and intelligent ball distribution she must be one of the best goalies in this League.
Mya, Beth and Frankie gained confidence and played some great football.

The Warriors again took control. Amy playing down the wing created the next chance with excellent speed and skill to send a through ball to Jenny. Showing incredible speed she skinned the defence and blasted the ball into the back of the net.
The final goal was a created with some brilliant individual skill from Emily. Taking on three players before releasing an inch perfect ball into Megan F’s path. Megan scored her second to make the final score 5 – 2.

Amy was so unlucky not to make it six with two efforts hitting both the post and the cross bar.

A great game and a great result. Some stunning football and good desire to win.
Keep up the good work girls. St Annes next this weekend.
Bring it on!!!!