Stockport Junior Blues 3 Whaley Bridge 1

Saturday 28th September 2013.

Whaley’s Girls unbeaten run of over 12 months came to an end on a warm day in Stockport which was great for the spectators but no such fun for the players.

Whaley only had 10 players available at kick off and began in a 3-5-1 formation.

Abz in goal.  A back 3 of Mia, Beth(N) and Mouse, Georgia and Sadie playing as wing backs.  Debutant Chloe Hughes in defensive midfield, Amy and Beth(R) in the centre and Chloe Hopley upfront.

An even start to the game with Whaley just edging the early possession.  Whaley were unfortunate when Chloe (Ho) was given offside when clean through despite being in her own half when the ball was played.  With few clear chances it was Whaley who took the lead with a fine strike from distance by Beth(R).  Beth picked up the ball just inside Stockport’s half and turned inside before hitting a powerful 20 yard shot high into the corner. Whaley went close to a 2^nd with Sadie’s low cross / shot going straight across goal without a touch.

Whaley were dealt a blow when mouse who had been a major doubt before kick off left the pitch on 25 minutes and was unable to continue.  This left Whaley with only 9 players and this was further compounded by Amy having limited mobility with a groin injury.  Whaley however held onto half time without too much concern.

As the second half got underway Amy dropped into defensive midfield to limit her running and Sadie dropped into defence.  Chloe (Ho) was also struggling with mobility and as such this put a lot of added pressure on Chloe(Hu) and beth(R) who were being outnumbered.  The pressure eventually told when a break down Whaley's left saw the striker find space and drive home a low shot passed Abz to draw level.

Stockport were now having the most of the ball and suing both flanks to really stretch the play however Whaley were creating chances on the break and Chloe(Ho) had 2 one on ones but couldn’t keep her shots on target.

Whaley got a big slice of luck when Stockport thought they had scored a 2^nd but a controversial off side decision ruled the goal out.

Whaley then were hit with a further blow as Beth(R) was subject to a very heavy challenge and left the field for almost 10 minutes.  Whaley thought they had taken the lead as Amy looked to have beaten the offside trap.  She rounded the keeper and had a simple tap in but play was stopped for another controversial offside.

Whaley’s girls were now clearly flagging.  Beth(R) came back on but was not fully mobile.  She did however have a great chance to possibly seal the points as she got goal side of the last defender she hit her shot early but it cleared the crossbar.  In defence Beth and Mia especially were having to work hard to minimise chances and Whilst Stockport were now getting the ball into attacking areas more often Beth and Mia especially prevented any clear opportunities.

Stockport continued to see a lot of the ball and the pressure eventually told when with only 5 to go they scored a second.  A long shot from just inside Whaley’s half saw Abz back peddling however she couldn’t reach the ball which dropped under the bar.

With only 2 minutes left Stockport won a  corner.  Whaley gambled leaving several players out and as the ball broke Beth(R) showed great skill controlling the ball and turning despite very close marking to create a counter attack with 3 against 3 however the referee saw something no one else did and gave Stockport a free kick.  Stockport scored direct from the free kick (which was very well struck giving Abz no chance) and in very disappointing circumstances this decision ended any chance that Whaley’s girls had.

The game ended 3-1 to Stockport.

Whaley’s girls should be very proud of themselves with numerical disadvantage and several players carrying knocks they can take a lot of heart from the performance.

Stockport gave Chloe(Ho) girl of the match and Chloe(Hu) had an excellent debut and I suspect that as she builds up match fitness and gets to know our girls that she will prove to be a really good addition to what is a talented squad.  The managers girl of the match was Beth (N).  She was outstanding in the heart of defence and can count herself unlucky to be on the loosing side.