This week Wilmsbury faced Stockport; the current leaders of the league table. Knowing that it would be a hard game Wilmsbury set off with the mindset of using the game as training in preparation for their cup game next weekend. And they did exactly that.
The main aim was to settle the ball and retain possession to slow down the Stockport attacking unit. Evans was pivotal in this, by making the most of her ten seconds in goal and using Deykin in multiple give-and-go situations that enabled the team to catch their breath back, break free and successfully transition the ball down to their attacking third. Allowing our attackers to execute what they had been learning at training. The attack quickly found its shape and everyone’s roles on the pitch were starting to become more defined. Shellman could be seen rolling around the crease and narrowly missed out on a goal. At the top of the fan, Albott decided to take their defenders on a one-versus-one drive but unfortunately became surrounded by the Stockport swarm.
By the third quarter, Wilmsbury had found their form. Their defensive unit took no prisoners and held Stockport off to scoring only four goals. Wilson’s directive and informative voice could be heard miles away and Deykin became a queen of intercepting feeds into the fan, knocking down the ball multiple times. Given the talent Stockport can produce, this was a win in itself. To top this off, Jowett scored two goals in quick succession that came from up-high picks from Frank. In the final quarter, Wadge-Berrospi stepped up to be the main draw-taker; assisted by Cooper-Clark to gain possession and to create the team’s final attacking sets.
Everyone's efforts were clearly seen all over the pitch leading Wilmsbury to be left feeling positive about their performance and improvement over this past season. The final score ended 24 – 2. Wilmsbury’s newest addition, Lowe, had an amazing first-ever game and has the makings of being a ground ball hoover and turnover causer – Lowe had no problem fighting Stockport’s finest in collecting up those ground balls.
The team’s next game will be at neutral grounds Heaton Mersey against Liverpool. The last time these teams met saw an 8 – 8 draw. It is bound to be an interesting battle. If the Wilmsbury Women win this cup fixture it will see them at the Flags (senior) Junior final either against Sheffield or Brooklands.
