Mens 1s v Neston 2s – 2-1 win
Following the disappointment of dropping points last week for the first time this season, Crewe looked to hit back with 3 points to put pressure on the chasing pack in NW Div 1. Having had the majority of the possession in the first half, Chris Regan returned from a weekend in Spain to deliver the ball on a platter for Jack Townshend to bag a goal from a short corner. Crewe dominated for the first half and led by a goal to nil at the break. Half time came and went and the second half progressed much the same as the first. Iain Cherry delivered the goods in more McCains than Kipling style – chipping the keeper with a tidy finish. Cherry, not one to brag about his finishing ability, supplied the spectators with a finish worthy of challenging Tom Davies for goal of the season against Prescott at home. Crewe’s defence deserved a clean sheet with the back for and goalkeeper working hard to shut Neston out but, alas, it was not to be with Neston scoring from a short corner with 3 minutes to go. A solid performance from the league leaders as they head to the Lake District next week to face Keswick.
Ladies 1s v Wilmslow 3-0 win
Crewe Vagrants 1XI travelled to Wilmslow for a 16:30 pushback in tough and cold conditions. From the first whistle, Crewe brought the intensity and were determined to make their keeper work. A strong forward line of Aleksandra Jama, Emma Buckley, Caitlin Oates and Grace Carter meant that the Wilmslow defence were under constant pressure. After multiple opportunities, Crewe’s first goal came from a ball into the D from Suzi Lawrence, which was deflected by Claire Terry and finished by Captain Zoe Franklin. Although Wilmslow had chances, there was no defeating Ali Smith in goal, who made continuous great saves – meaning Crewe went in to half time 1-0 up. In the second half, it didn’t take long for Vagrants to increase their lead. Quick and accurate transfers from Helen Glanville, Georgie Holloway, Gilly Gibbs-Blythe, Lauren McGurk & Lawrence allowed the ball to work its way up the pitch, falling to Jama who lifted it over the keeper to get her name on the score sheet. Not long after, a bad stick tackle in the Wilmslow D lead to a Penalty Flick being awarded. Captain Franklin stepped up and calmly slotted the ball into the back of the net to make it 3-0. Composed play by the midfield including Emily Critchley, Becki Burndred, Sarah Hartley and Jenny Evans in the last 10 minutes meant that Wilmslow couldn’t find a way through, leading to a great away win for the Vagrants. Player of the Match went to Caitlin Oates.
Mens 2s v Knutsford 1s – 2-1 win
Crewe Vagrants M2s had the pleasure of hosting Knutsford M1s this week. Crewe settled the quicker of the teams and started to work some nice passes together resulting in some early shots on goal. Crewe made the break through from a short corner which didn’t go to plan at all but somehow Nathan Watson fired into the bottom left corner. Knutsford upped their game with themselves having a handful of short corners in quick succession. Harry Guest made a fantastic double save, to keep Crewe ahead in the game. Crewe hit Knutsford on the counter after Chris Sorenson ran down a short corner, playing the ball out wide to Watson, who found Rob Featherstone, who found Ollie (The best) Nixon, who found Bruce Forster in the D and he converted expertly. From defending a short corner to scoring a goal in 4 passes really was some beautiful hockey. Now the ugly stuff, the game started to get heated as both teams pushed on, Steve Torrie took bib tight marking to the next level by getting his stick stuck inside the opposition’s shirt, green card for him. Paddy O’Brien tried to run off with a Knutsford’s player stick, clearly one just wasn’t enough… green card for him as well. Knutsford did get one back but Crewe kept on pushing hard and were unlucky not to have got a 3rd when the Knutsford player stopped the ball on the line with his stick, finger and shin pad… Crewe saw the game out and a big 3 points. Next week Deeside away.
Ladies 3s v Ladies 2s – 0-1 loss
On this cold Saturday afternoon the 3s were raring to go. It took the 3s a few minutes to get the pace going with the 2s having an early 1-0 lead. However, the 3s composed themselves and picked up the pace. Amy Williams continually on the ball against the 2s and sent it forward. The 3s had a short corner with Heather’s hit that was saved by the second team goal keeper Becca Jackson. With Tricia Boffey, dribbling the ball forward the 3s managed to get the ball through the keeper’s legs but frustratingly (2 players that stopped goal) were on the line to stop it. With many chances on goal in the first half, the 3s were feeling motivated and excited to continue into the second half. The 3s continued their high pace energy and team work into the second half! Pushing through the 2s defence, the 3s had many chances in the D. The 3s drive to equalise the score board was clear with Maddie Lycett dribbling through the 2s midfield and defence. Sadly, the 3s were unable to gain a goal, but the 3s defence and Rusty were solid throughout and managed to stop the 2s from adding to their 1-0 victory. The game ended with the 3s feeling proud of their effort and teamwork to secure only a 1-0 defeat against a great team. Let’s keep this teamwork and energy for next week’s game!
Ladies 2s v Ladies 3s – 1-0 win
The ladies 2s got off to a good start with a strong period of possession where the twos worked collectively as a team with nice short passing to pick apart the opposition’s press. This led to a number of attacking opportunities most of which were foiled by Rusty’s immense goal keeping. However, a goal came from a clinical short corner scored by Hannah Booth. The 3s then settled into their game with Trish Boffey at the forefront of their threatening opportunities. The game continued with both teams battling for possession, despite the ongoing effort the 2s couldn’t capitalise on their scoring opportunities. Looking ahead to top of the league clash with Lymm next week.
