A Win and a Loss for the Men while the Ladies keep it equal

16 Sep 2018 by Crewe Vagrants Hockey Club

Ladies 1s – GAME CANCELLED

Ladies 2s v Oxton 1s – 2-2 Draw

Second game for the ladies 2s in division 1, so a tough encounter to be expected. With a mixed team of experience Crewe dominated the first 20 minutes and took the lead from a superb short corner routine with Louise Crosbie-Potter smashing the ball into the bottom left hand corner. Oxton drew level seconds before half time however Crewe should have easily been ahead. Second half proved to be similar to the first with Crewe dominating the first 20 minutes. Emily Ford instrumental in midfield, linking well with player of the match Dionne Johnson and Grace Leonard make some first class saves in goal. Crewe took the lead from a nicely worked short corner which Shami Ahmed slotted home. However a defensive error allowed Oxton to salvage a point. A strong game for the ladies 2s who face Chester 2s next week.

Ladies 3s v Alderley Edge 5s – 0-0 draw

From a positive start the previous week, crewe 3s were determined as ever to remain a clean sheet. With a hard press from alderley edge at the start and a few new crewe members from the 4s we had to react quickly. There was a strong movement around the pitch from both sides but crewe had to remain focused to gain possession of the ball. We took learnings from last week’s win to keep a tight press in midfield but alderley edge had the first chance of the game in the D but was comfortably saved by Jayne and the defensive back. Going into the second half and still 0-0 crewe were much more stable and settled into the game. Crewe’s defence supported the team well verbally which directed the new squad into the attacking area. Nova was controlling the midfield well and took some excellent passes into the scoring circle but a strong defensive opposition were preventing the goals going in for crewe. We had a few more chances in the second half by soaking up the pressure and keeping the ball into the attacking area. Crewe’s defence however had plenty of short corner practice when alderley edge won a few but a strong side and player of the match keeper were keeping that clean sheet at bay for crewe. The determination, skills and enthusiasm from everyone showed throughout the game; we had a couple of injuries during the 70 minutes but it didn’t stop anyone’s work rate from start to finish. It was a game where we didn’t win but a well deserved draw and an additional point to the score board is a positive approach to the season with lots to work on!

Ladies 4s v Whitchurch 2s – 2-2 draw

This, the first away match of the season, saw the ladies travel across to neighbouring county Shropshire to play Whitchurch’s second team. A somewhat dry and sandy pitch underfoot was ultimately going to prove a challenge and the ball would not be going anywhere fast! Will anywhere match the beautiful pitch we have back at home?

Last week, at home, having lost our first match of the season to Macclesfield, we were eager to come away with a win or a draw so that we could start to climb Division 5. A few different faces joined the core players this week with some returning to the game after a break. Considerate and careful planning by Captain Dawn, ensured that players were able to play to their strengths and were not placed out of their comfort zones.

From the outset, Whitchurch played very high and often leaving only one defender in their half. We had to work hard to ensure that we didn’t fall too deep and cut out any chance of getting the ball up the pitch and into their danger zone, but the Vagrants were quiet and reserved. In pockets, during the first half of the game, there were strong attacking plays made, but to no avail. Whitchurch scored and then again, from a short corner deflection. At no point did we lose focus and we continued to defend well with Tanya executing some practised ‘post-up’s’ courtesy of our coach Nathan, on Wednesday at training. Incidentally and speaking of Nathan, Alison found herself in the centre taking a self-pass which was queried by some of the Whitchurch players. Alison confidently informed them ‘but Nathan said I could’. Of course, our coach demonstrated it on Wednesday. Donning their protective facial gear, a number of short corners were well defended by our ladies. Amanda, in goal for us this week, was very encouraging with her guidance and positivity.

Having subs is always a bonus and we were careful when reshuffling players to ensure that our formation was not compromised. A few attacking short corners and a conversion from Anna and then an open play goal from Sophie evened the scoring in the final 10 minutes of the game. Adele, new to the forward line, has quickly learnt that when hovering at the post, it is always wise to put your stick down to guide a ball that is going slightly wide; sorry Amy! The Whitchurch umpire was most efficient and ‘by the book’, even awarding a green card to one of our players (aherm!!)

A great comeback and well earned draw for us! Watch out division 5!
MOM: Anna Bates

Mens 1s v Urmston 1s – 4-2 Win
The men’s 1s hosted Urmston this weekend in the last friendly game before the season starts. Both Crewe and Urmston exchanged good chances throughout the game with Crewe finishing up 4-2 winners with two goals from Nat Cain, 1 from Tom Link and Jordan Ashmore. Crewe host Didsbury 2nd team next weekend at 1pm.

Mens 2s v Bebbington 3s – 2-1 Loss

Men’s 2s away at Bebbington. Crewe kicked off the season with a solid performance on a very sandy pitch against Bebington. Crewe created a lot of opportunities in the first half and won several short corners but were unable to convert the pressure into goals. Bebbington battled their way back into the game and went 1-0 up before half time. In the second half Crewe attempted to apply a higher press but were undone by some good passages of play by Bebbington and conceded again. A scrappy game with lots of free hits followed with neither team quite able to find their rhythm. With 2 minutes to go Crewe grabbed a consolation goal through Bruce Forster slotting away into an empty goal after some quick breakaway play. Lots of promise for the season. MoM: Bruce Forster for excellent hold up play on his return from injury.

Mens 3s – NO GAME