MENS 1s

The Men’s 1’s unbeaten home run continued on Saturday with a solid 5-2 win against City of Manchester, but things didn’t go to plan from the off with City of Manchester scoring early with their first short corner of the match.

Crewe gradually grew into the game with lengthy periods of pressure in the City of Manchester final third, the pressure paid off when Pete Cornell struck from the top of the circle with well struck volley. 1 then became 2 courtesy of a break away goal finished off by Jack Townsend just before half time.

Crewe started the 2nd half slowly which enabled City of Manchester to peg the game back to 2-2.
Shortly after Andrew Ticehurst managed to manufacture some space in the circle for a reverse stick strike into the bottom corner.
With 15 minutes to go Crewe were down to 10 men and under pressure, this pressure forced keeper Matt Greasby into a fine triple save to keep Crewe in front.

Jack Townsend doubled his tally to create some daylight between the two teams with 10 minutes to go and Ben Read sealed the 3 points with 2 minutes to go with a fine strike from the top of the circle.

Final score 5 – 2

Next week : Away at Lytham St Annes 1s

LADIES 1s

The Ladies 1’s continued their fine start to the season and consolidated their position in the league by beating third place Sale 1’s. With a much changed line due to the half-term break the Crewe side made a slightly nervy start. However, the combination of Captain Zoe Franklin driving down the right wing and EJ MacLeod along the baseline led to the opening goal. As the Sale keeper charged out towards MacLeod her pass across the goal spun in, closely guided by Marianne Hunter.

Sale equalised shortly afterwards from the second phase of a short corner after the initial shot was saved. As advantage was played following a Crewe foot, a second shot deflected in off the pads of goalkeeper Alison Smith to make the half time score 1 – 1.

Crewe were quick to turn attack into defence when Steph Thompson took a quick free hit from the left back position, hitting the ball through to Lisa Holland. Holland passed to Hunter who dribbled into the circle only to have her legs unceremoniously taken by the Sale keeper as she was about to shoot. The resulting flick was despatched by MacLeod for her and Crewe’s second.

Sale looked for an equaliser but the Crewe defence of Emma Bostock, Gilly Gibbs-Blythe and Georgi Brown followed their game plan and snuffed out any clear chances. Keeper Smith made a double save when faced with a one-on-one as the forward lifted the initial shot into her body before she dived forward to sweep the follow up wide with her stick.

The victory was sealed when Hunter scored at the far post, slotting home following good work from Franklin and MacLeod. Sale looked for a consolation goal but Vic Lee and Jen Zwijnen in midfield set up camp in front of their own defence and no further opportunities were allowed.

Ola Jama showed speed and determination in her debut league mach for the Ladies 1.

Final score 3 – 1.

Next week: Away at Bowdon 3s

MENS 2s

A great start to the game as Crewe took the lead in the first 5 minutes through Shane Warren with an impressive reverse stick hit into the roof of the net leaving the City of Manchester keeper helpless. Perhaps lacking the confidence to push on, a goal was quickly conceded from a good Penalty Corner routine from Manchester. The rest of the half was even but then a piece of bad luck with the ball deflecting off a Crewe stick and into the path of a CoM forward who tapped in at the back post. The lack of subs perhaps began to show in the 2nd half and as Crewe pressed on they were caught on the break twice to go 4-1 behind. A good short corner routine from Crewe and a smart finish from Nick Marshall at the back post made it 4-2. Crewe committed more and more players forward to try and get a positive result and again were overloaded at the back as CoM moved the ball to the back post for a tap in goal. Next week the 2’s face Manchester at home with a big chance to get that elusive first win and build some momentum.

Final Score 5 – 2

MENS 3s

The Men’s 3s came up against a Sale team who’s league position belies their ability. Crewe took the lead through a superb finish from Bruce Forster. Although they continued to push and created a number of chances the half finished all square as Sale levelled after Crewe failed to clear their lines from a short corner.

The second half saw a more determined Crewe close out the threat from Sale and assert their dominance through goals from newcomer Lawrence Moulton and a well deserved goal from the returning Dougie! A break week next week before they meet fellow league leaders Bowdon.

Final Score 3 – 1

JUNIORS

U10’s Hockey Festival

A quick change in location provided an even and competitive game for the U10s Mixed team against Sandbach. Our supporters watching agreed that they are making progress every time they play together. A great team effort playing some mature hockey.

In the final third the team were excellent and forced the opposition keeper to make some great saves. The final score was a 2-1 win.

Really enjoyable game and lots of progress made.

Next Festival Dates :
20th November U12/U13
4th December U8/U10