Ladies 1st (8-0 win)
Nothing short of a win was expected from the high flying Ladies’ 1st team over the weekend. Playing bottom of the table with no GK meant that Vagrants could run riot…and they did. Within 2 minutes of the start, EJ Macleod put Vagrants ahead weaving her way through and around an unsettled Bowden defence. By half time the score was 4-0 with EJ collecting another goal and setting up Marianne Hunter in simply spectacular style for her 2 goals. The standout goal of the half was a bullet of a pass from EJ into the D, and Maz diving to guide the ball into the goal. Bang! Struggling Bowden did start the 2nd half with more determination, however the midfield and defence were shield-like (or like a screen, as coach, Jon Marshall likes to call it!!) under the pressure. Both EJ and Maz secured their hat-tricks in the second half and captain, Zoe Franklin popped up for 2 goals herself. With just over half the season now complete, Vagrants are sitting with local rivals Deeside at the top of the table. Next game is against the rivals, Deeside on January 14th at home.
Men’s 1st (5-2 win)
The Men can boast of a 100% record at home to finish the first half of the season. Lytham St.Anne’s were the visitors at the weekend and it was Vagrants who started the stronger with threatening runs from James Holt, Jack Townsend and James Capper. The first goal came from a Phil Robinson run, who then laid the ball on a plate for Jack Townsend to fire home from close range. 1-0 was soon 2-0 with Chris Regan firing in a penalty corner. Lytham pulled one back to make it 2-1 through poor defending rather than good attacking! Lytham defenders then couldn’t cope with a Hendrik Willenbrink run and a flick was awarded. Vagrants haven’t managed to convert all flicks so far this season, so Ben Read stepped up to take a sublime and completely unstoppable flick sending it sailing into the top right-hand corner. Very envious of that ability, Ben!! After half time, the Vagrants put the game to bed with another penalty corner conversion by reliable Regan, and Jack Townsend scoring the goal of the day…his first touch taking the ball around the keeper and his second touch to calmly put the ball in the net. Lytham pulled one back late in the game but it was merely a consolation goal. The Men’s 1st can enjoy a well-earned break sitting 2nd in the league table with a trip to Deeside on the menu for early January.

Ladies 2nd (3-1 win)
In rather inclement conditions, the Ladies 2nd team head into the Xmas break breaking a run of undesired results with a good win against Macclesfield. Vagrants started well attacking down the flanks and through the middle but were not able to find the back of the net. Macclesfield broke the deadlock making the most of a hit out which unfortunately went awry. It wasn’t long though until Vagrants equalised with Dionne Johnson finding Lisa Holland at the top of the D who powerfully swept the ball past a couple of defenders and the Macclesfield GK. There is a small claim from Vic Lee for the second Vagrants’ goal…her stick touching the ball less than the length of an iPhone away from the line! No video referee may result in the goal being awarded to Cate Whitehouse! The 3rd goal that sealed victory was released from the back, Lucy Pearson finding Shez Marsden who neatly took the ball around the keeper. The 2nds head into the Xmas break lying in 2nd place on goal difference.
Men’s 2nd (3-1 win)
In a relegation battle the Men’s 2nd team stepped up to the mark and in the end had a comfortable but hard fought 3-1 win away at Manchester Men’s 1st team. The team started well with a clear game plan to keep the ball and frustrate the opposition. This tactic paid off, some patient build up play down the left side led to Nathan Watson hammering a backspace shot into the near post. The early goal gave the team confidence and they finished the half strongly with a number of half chances for team unconverted. Going into the second half the team knew it was going to be an important first 10 minutes. And so it proved to be with two decisive goals for the Vagrants coming from Matt Kennerly-Ryan. One was an excellent team goal with the ball moved around at high speed before the final killer pass came from Nathan Watson to allow Matt to tip the ball in at the back post. The second goal was a much tougher chance with Matt having to show great composure in the D and slot the ball under the Manchester GK. A consolation goal came from Manchester late on but this couldn’t change the result. A great performance to go into the Christmas break. Captain, Dan Cooper wishes to thank all those that have played so far this season!

Ladies 3rd (4-0 win)
Promotion hunting Ladies 3rd team started the game well, gaining good possession which resulted in a goal within the opening few minutes. Abbie Iddenden benefitting from an open play attack. Many more chances followed, and Vagrants went into half time 2-0 up. Midfielder, Fran Dow getting herself onto the score sheet. The team then went from strength to strength in the second half, being awarded plenty of penalty corners but were unable to convert any. Lauren Burgess managed to hit the ball sweetly from the edge of the D to put the game to bed at 3-0. Bowden did rally and tested GK, Grace Leonard but she managed to keep that elusive and much desired clean sheet. Stepping up this week from the 4th team and scoring another bullet of a goal from a penalty corner was Katie Gibbs. Isabella Escott being awarded the player of the match demonstrating her continued ability to power down the wing and create opportunities for herself and her team mates.

Men’s 3rd (friendly win 4-0)
A friendly game for the 3rd team enabled a run out for our talented youngsters and it pleasingly resulted in a good spirited 4-0 win. The 3 juniors, Evan Bowyer, Dan Read and Ben Holt, were involved in the game right from the start. GK, Evan Bowyer dealing with ease the few efforts from Sandbach. In the second half, the Vagrants’ youngsters turned on the style and were rewarded with 1 goal for Ben and 2 for Dan. One of Dan’s goals being a spectacular goal…taking the ball past 3 opposition players before sending it high into the goal. Almost matching his brother, Ben with his stunning penalty flick for the 1st team. Vagrants held onto the clean sheet thanks to further good goalkeeping from Evan after the defence had decided he needed a little more work to do!!!

Ladies 4th (3-0 loss)
The Ladies 4th under new leadership of Emily Ford, found the game against Macclesfield tough going. Macc kept the defensive line of Cat Bellamy, Dawn Price, Rachel Fairfield and Eleanor Saignes busy during the first half. Each player making valuable and decisive touches to prevent and break down the majority of attacks. Vagrants were equally challenging of Macc’s defence, some great linking play by Emily Ford, Georgia Griffiths, Daniek MacCauley and Jess Roberts led to a few opportunities. Kate Humphreys showing versatility and determination, skill and a great ability to strike a ball. The forwards, Molly Pheasey, Sophie Goodwin, Lucy Morriss were serviced well by the midfield, but also created space for each other by running high and into space. A special mention goes to GK, Amanda Kimber, playing in only her 2nd game she blocked, dived, closed down and showed commendable determination to do her bit for the team. All of the Macclesfield goals came as a result of great skill and play which Vagrants couldn’t do much about. The Ladies 4th team lie in 3rd place heading into the Xmas break, one place below the automatic promotion spots. A friendly game will be great preparation before the League restarts in January.