Ladies 1st team (1-1 draw)
The first game back after the Xmas break and it was the biggest game of the season so far: Deeside being local rivals and occupying top spot in the League but only on goal difference. Fielding a strong team, Vagrants took the lead within the first 10 minutes. Laura MacLeod putting EJ Macleod through for EJ to lift the ball past the GK from a fairly acute angle. Great finish. Deeside are a particularly well-drilled team, play at a fast pace and are not afraid of switching the ball from any position on the pitch. Vagrants cope well with this type of play, absorbing pressure by working as a unit and making the most of young legs in the counter attack (that includes you, Shami)! Ali Smith made some great saves to try and keep a clean sheet, but couldn’t quite keep a strike from a penalty corner out unfortunately. Both teams probably felt they could have snatched a win but a 1-1 was a fair reflection of the game. An early game for the Ladies 1st team next week – Bolton, who are in 3rd place, away.
Men’s 1st team – no game
Ladies 2nd team (1-0 loss)
A trip to a very bouncy pitch at Oswestry produced a disappointing result for the Ladies 2nd team. The opposition dominated the first 10 minutes whilst Vagrants adjusted to the conditions. Once accustomed, Vagrants came into their own and created chance after chance. When Oswestry did attack, Vagrants defence remained strong and turned defence into attack only for that finishing touch to be missing. Bev Jackson did try and get her chin onto the scoresheet but even that didn’t put the ball into the goal!! Following half time, Oswestry mastered a few good attacks which were dealt with calmly and convincingly. However, Oswestry then created a must-score opportunity with 2 players only having GK, Lauren to beat and did so. Vagrants tried to secure a point but it wasn’t to be. Nat Stevenson being awarded the player of the match. Next weekend sees Deeside 2nd team visit the Vagrants.
Men’s 2nd team (6-2 win)
In a huge bottom of the table clash the Men’s 2nd team made it 3 wins in a row to move into 10th position and 6 points clear of the relegation zone with the 6-2 win. In a very even first half Vagrants took the lead through a well worked penalty corner routine. This lead was not held for any longer than 10 minutes as Formby responded with a good counter attacking goal making it 1-1 at half time. An injured Pete Cornell gave a rousing half time speech to send Vagrants into the second half firing. Some patient build up play led to goals 2 and 3 in quick succession, which was a hammer blow to the hopes of Formby. Some excellent forward play by Matt Hodgson made it 5-1. Formby pulled one back thorough a penalty corner to make it 5-2 before Vagrants had the last word on an excellent 2nd half performance making it 6-2. An excellent result that puts the Men’s 2nd team into position to avoid relegation. A tough task awaits next week to keep the run going, away at Neston.

Ladies 3rd team – no game
Men’s 3rd team (11-1 win)
The Men’s 3rd team set out to improve their goal difference over bottom of the league Timperley 6th team and did exactly that with a convincing 11-1 win. With Tom Link patrolling in front of the defence and the tireless work rate of Russ Gibbons and Sam Holloway in midfield, Vagrants quickly gained control of the game and took the lead through Tom and Iain Ford (Dad of the Ladies 4th player, Emily, and returning to play against his former team!). With Lawrence Moulton also scoring and a second goal for Tom Link, a momentary lapse let a hopeful long ball end result in a penalty corner to Timperley. A strong hit was read well by debutant goalkeeper, Evan Bowyer who got down well to his right, getting a stick to the ball, however cruel luck took the deflection into the net. The second half continued in the same way with Jamie Allen, Dave Watson and Russ Howard holding firm in defence and the returning Steve ‘Dougie’ Douglas and Chris Habesch providing the outlets. A pleasing performance all around.
Oh, and Jamie Escott scored 7!!!!!!!

Ladies 4th team (3-2 win)
Beginning the year with a friendly gave the Ladies 4th team an opportunity to get back into the swing of things following the Xmas break. Vagrants started lively getting the ball into the D and forcing the GK to make some saves. The first goal came in the first half from a period of consistent pressure with Kate Woods being on hand to slot the ball into the back of the net. Towards the end of the first half GK, Grace Leonard was called upon to make a decisive kick to steer the ball away from danger meaning the score was 1-0 at half time. Vagrants made it 2-0 early on in the second half courtesy of Kate Woods again. Kate’s opportunity for a hat-trick wasn’t too far away, a beautiful move out from the back to Emily Ford, to Molly Pheasey, who’s pass was perfect for Kate to reach the milestone…I think Kate got too excited and hit the ball somewhat wide! Whoops! Sandbach pulled one back but shortly after Sophie Goodwin made it 3-1 pouncing on a loose ball in the D. Sandbach managed to score a late goal but Vagrants held on for the win. Bebington away for these ladies next weekend.