With a number of fixtures postponed due to the bitterly cold weather, the Armitage centre was an eerie windswept landscape last Wednesday. This was with the exception of the astro turf where the miracles of modern sport technology meant a programme of women’s hockey was in full swing despite the sub zero temperature. The Manchester Women’s 1st XI took the opportunity with both hands, laying down a marker to their nearest rivals Newcastle University with a comprehensive 4-0 victory. Such a win not only increases the team’s chances of promotion, but is also a vital psychological victory for the side as they face Newcastle again in a vital cup semi-final in two weeks time.
The match was sloppy in the opening stages, with neither side making much headway into opposition territory. This was not aided by numerous infringements preventing the players from showing any more than glimpses of flowing hockey in an opening ten minutes which saw no shots on goal.
Manchester however did soon manage to find a foothold in the opposition half and began to pressure the visitors. The result was two short corners, which saw right midfielder Sophie Crosley pepper the opposition goal with efforts that brought the best out of Newcastle goalkeeper Rachel Wilson. Newcastle did look to threaten on the break however, with their forward lines pace adding extra danger. They struggled though to enter the Manchester D with keeper Helen Stephenson forced into action just once, executing an excellent sliding stop to snuff out any danger. Manchester were soon back on the attack with a third short corner seeing Laura Timms go close before Newcastle managed to clear their lines in the ensuing scramble.
Manchester finally made possession count in the 28th minute when the ever-threatening Crosley made a marauding run down the right, taking on two defenders before centering for captain Hannah Cobbold to finish from close range. The goal seemed to finally make the Manchester side click and in the latter stages of the first half there was a marked improvement in their play. Tilly Fatah, who moved up the field from centre back came agonizingly close to doubling their advantage with a weaving run into the box seeing her effort thwarted by a last minute tackle just as she was about to pull the trigger.
The second half began much as the first had ended, with Manchester dominating proceedings, only for Newcastle to blow an unbelievable chance to draw level on the break. Their centre forward allowed a pin point cross to go past her as she stood with the goal at her mercy after her team mates had carved open an exposed Manchester defence. Such a close shave had a profound effect on the league leaders, whose play immediately went up a level. The lead was doubled not long after with left back Abbey Halliday winning a free hit in dangerous territory, a quick pass to Bex Mcguinness saw the left winger slam a shot into the box which deflected off Lucy Waller into the net, much to the anger of the opposition keeper. The home side were now in full flow with Jess Berry proving an excellent pivot in midfield, distributing effectively to her forward line. Indeed it was a sublime through ball from Berry that found Lucy Waller in behind the defence shortly later. Keeper Wilson thwarted her attempt, but Cobbold made no mistake with the rebound to score her second goal and give the Manchester women a three-goal cushion.
The speed of play slowed as the game wound down; however Manchester still threatened with Fatah and Mcguiness combining to nearly score again with only the increasingly exasperated Wilson in between the sticks to deny them. Crosley soon made it four however, when her shot squirmed under the keeper from a short corner. It was a just reward for the winger whose strong running down the right flank constantly threatened the opposition. Shortly after the game had a prolonged pause after a clash of heads which saw Laura Timms depart with an icepack to ease the pain.
As the game wound down, Manchester threatened to extend the rout further with Waller again being put clean through on goal, only to see her clever flick cleared off the line. Lorna Mcmullan meanwhile had another shot saved.
At the final whistle, the Manchester ladies celebrated their emphatic victory. Skipper Cobbold, in high spirits described the day’s efforts as “an awesome performance” commenting upon the tremendous work rate of the whole team. She did however single out Abby Halliday for special praise after a strong display from the left back. This victory sees the team go 8 points clear of second placed Newcastle. Cobbold was also pleased to maintain the teams unbeaten run stating “we want to stay unbeaten for the rest of the season”. On the basis of their comprehensive second half display in particular it is unlikely the Women’s 1st XI will be caught as they seek promotion to the Premier North Division.
