Lancaster 2 vs Lytham St Annes 2

Lytham St Annes 2s       1-3        Lancaster 2s

Lancaster started the brighter of the two teams on Saturday. There was some great link up play down both wings from Ellen Wills, Kathryn Ellison and Paula Miquel Fosco, that saw a number of Lancaster opportunities be saved, as the Lytham St Annes goalkeeper was equal to everything. The deadlock was broken though in the 19th minute when the ball was fired into the D, for Emily Verden to tap the ball home.

Lancaster continued to push with Rebecca Airey controlling the game, driving the team forward. Emily Bamber-Dowthwaite and Izzy Liver saw their shots being saved by the goalkeeper again and again. Lancaster continued to push, in the 28th minute the ball was once again fired into the D and after a scuffle, found its way to Emily Verden who smashed the ball home again.

Lytham started the second half the stronger of the two teams, the defence of Molly Chapman, Emma Wood, Lottie Horner and Amelia Welch remained strong making great tackles and interceptions whilst Goalkeeper Rebecca Halliwell made a number of key saves to keep them out. Lytham eventually found a goal with a well flicked deflection catching the Lancaster goalkeeper wrong footed and despite her dive and attempt to push the ball away, the team watched the ball spin and pea roll into the goal off the post.

This seemed to spur Lancaster on, in the 63rd minute Naomi Obsorne went on a solo run into the D, the team and Lancaster coach Karen Chapman all urged her to shoot and she revelled in the opportunity. She calmly struck the ball before watching it sail into the top corner of the opposite side of the goal, leaving the Lytham Goalkeeper no chance.

Lancaster continued to press, but the final whistle was blown before they could score again. The final result was Lytham St Annes 2s (1), Lancaster 2s (3).

Team: Rebecca Airey, Emily Bamber-Dowthwaite, Molly Chapman, Kathryn Ellison, Rebecca Halliwell (C) (GK), Lottie Horner, Izzy Liver, Paula Miquel Fosco, Naomi Osborne, Emily Verden, Amelia Welch, Ellen Wills and Emma Wood

Goal Scorers: Emily Verden x2 and Naomi Osborne

Players of the Match: Emily Verden and Naomi Osborne

Ball Sponsor: Janet and Don Dixon