Whaley Bridge 3 Chesterfield 0

Sat 21st may 2011 – League Cup final

Whaley’s girls picked up the league cup with a deserved 3 nil win against main rivals Chesterfield Town.

Whaley started with Shannon in goal and a back three of Beth, Hannah and Mouse.  Megan was employed in central midfield with Amy.  Chloe(H) started on the right and Elesha on the left.  Mia upfront.  Chloe(F) and Lucy on the bench.

The game was always going to be a tense affair after Chesterfields narrow victory in the Challenge Cup.

Despite a 9:30 kick off it was a warm morning and with the pitch was in a wonderful condition.  It was perfect conditions to play (and watch football).

Before kick off Whaley were like the walking wounded with a combination of injuries, colds and migraines and understandably Whaley started a bit nervously.  Chesterfield had the first attack of the game but were snubbed out by the ever impressive defensive trio of Hannah, Mouse and Beth.  Shannon who played with a sore wrist collected the ball with ease and again showed how much of a weapon her kicking is.

Once Whaley got the ball down then the girls started to exert control on the game and by 10 minutes it was Whaley who were on top with some nice passing and moving.

Whaley’s first goal came from a fluent move with Mia playing in Chloe who from a tight angle hit an unstoppable shot past the Chesterfield keeper.  With the goal the nerves settled and Whaley became effectively encamped in Chesterfields half.

Megan and Amy were exerting control in the middle and Elesha and Chloe were using the wings intelligently. Up front Mia was again given the role of lone striker chasing down and pressurising the Chesterfield back 3 which she did admirably from start to coming off having run her self to an almost standstill.

Whaley’s second came from another fine move.  This time it was Chloe who played a ball through to Elesha who used her pace and speed to get clear of the defence and as the keeper came out she slotted the ball past her.

Before half time it was 3-0.  This time Chloe found Amy who came through from deep and confidently put away her 50^th goal of the season.

Whaley were having most of the play and came close again from corners.  Chesterfield had a bit of luck with the ball stopping on the line as the keeper sat on it.  With seconds left Chesterfields keeper did really well to keep hold of Chloe’s cross / shot with Mia having bust a gut to be alone in the box for a tap in.

At the other end Chesterfield were looking at pumping the ball long but Whaley’s defence was coping with a bit to spare.  When the ball broke through Shannon was quickly out to pick up the ball before any real danger.

The second half began with Whaley pushing for a 4^th goal.  Whilst it didn’t come it was not for the want of trying.  Within 5 minutes Whaley had forced a couple of corners and as Chloe put the ball into the box it some how managed to get right through a crowd of attackers and defenders without any touch which would have meant a goal.  Elesha came closest but couldn’t get the vital touch.

Chesterfield’s keeper and left back were keeping the score respectable as several chances came and went.  Shots from Amy and Mia were well saved and dangerous crosses from Chloe and Elesha were not converted.

Whaley also had a bit of luck at the back when Shannon couldn’t gather properly Amy was at the back post to clear the ball off the line.  The back three played with not only great discipline but they also covered each other for the whole game so that if one payer was beat there was always at least on other already in position.  We have played 5 games to win this cup without conceding a goal and this is down to a real understanding have been formed between Shannon, Mouse, Beth and Hannah

With 15 minutes to go Chloe(F) came on for Amy.  She almost got herself onto the score sheet showing great strength and perseverance but she couldn’t quite get the final touch.  With 10 minutes left Lucy came on for Megan who like Mia had covered every blade of grass, with Mouse moving into the middle.

With the game over as a contest Chesterfield wanted a consolation goal but Lucy stepped in where Mouse left off and not only tackled back but almost set up a goal playing a lovely ball down the line for Elesha to chase but it was very well defended.

In summary.  The best team won!!!!!!!