Winnington Park Ladies 2nds 2

Whitchurch Ladies 1sts 8

Whitchurch took the lead through Helena Dannenfeldt who went on to to seal her second treble in two games.

This really motivated Whitchurch, with lots of crucial runs through the middle from Lisa Sullivan and lots of strong runs from Ellie Windsor on the wing leading to more chances.

These paid off with two more goals from Dannenfeldt again in quick succession for her second hat-trick in as many matches.

In the final 10 minutes of the half Whitchurch began to tire, as they had no subs, meaning Winnington began putting more pressure on the defence. But some strong tackles from Catherine Reece-Gresty and immaculate clearances from Millie Edwards helped to avert the danger, leaving the score 3-0 to Whitchurch going into half-time.

Hebe Dixon scored Whitchurch’s fourth of the match before Dannenfeldt set up Dixon for her second. After going 5-0 up, Whitchurch began to lose focus allowing Winnington to gain some short corners which were well-rehearsed, but Edwards and Ward managed to keep the ball out.

Finally, Winnington got their reward after a lapse in concentration by Whitchurch led to a counter-attack goal. Whitchurch soon regained focus and, shortly after, Izzy Huxley got rewarded for her brilliant positioning throughout the game to score. Whitchurch remained strong, winning some short corners which eventually led to a goal from captain Cath Gresty to put the score at 8-1.

In the final few minutes, it was evident that Whitchurch were in need of a fresh pair of legs after a full hour of pretty intense hockey, meaning Winnington could gain some valuable corners. Although some great shots were kept out with more great saves from keeper Maddy Sugden, one managed to slip past the defenders putting the final score at 8-2. This was a crucial win for Whitchurch and player of the match was awarded to Helena Dannenfeldt.

Whitchurch Ladies 2nds 1

Deeside Ladies 4ths 1

Whitchurch Ladies seconds picked a draw against a side they drew with earlier on in the season.

Although Deeside took the first push back, it was easily intercepted by Molly Fry, who drove the ball through the centre of the pitch picking out Becky Brookfield and onto Jess Kimberley who narrowly missed the goal.

Whitchurch kept up this strong attack for much of the first half Deeside did have a quick break into the Whitchurch dee which goalkeeper Gwyn Thomas-Rees quickly dealt with. The formidable defence of Clarke and Chloe Lloyd were having an effect on the Deeside attack and this led to frustration and Deeside being reduced to 10 after comments to the umpires.

Whitchurch finally took the lead towards the end of the first half from a short corner. Tracy Tolhurst injected to Brookfield at the top of the dee, who struck the ball at goal for Tolhurst to deflect in and give Whitchurch the lead at half-time.

However, Deeside had chance to regroup and came out on the offensive. In a moment of disorganisation by the Whitchurch defence, Deeside took their opportunity and scored an equalising goal.

This drove Deeside on and only some fine defending by Ellie McEvoy and Beth Wright on the left kept the scores level. Deeside didn’t have it all their way as Whitchurch built up their attack from the back, linking moves through Ellie McEvoy, Emily Vernon, Tolhurst and Kimberley into the dee.

Whitchurch had their best opportunity to take the lead when awarded a penalty flick but they failed to capitalise.

Player’s player went to Keeper Gwyn Thomas-Rees. Next week Whitchurch 2s travel to Brooklands.

For more hockey reports, see this week's Whitchurch Herald.