Fylde Hockey Club round-up: Firsts battle for away victory
A full weekend of league fixtures saw Fylde Hockey Club’s ladies’ first team climb to fourth in Women’s Conference North with a 1-0 win at Durham University 2.
Struck by injuries and last-minute illness, Fylde had a straight 11 and no subs against a 16-player University squad.
Despite the lack of numbers, Fylde began brightly and created several chances before taking the lead through Jessica Wharton.
Durham had the lion’s share of second-half possession but were kept out by some excellent saves from Katie Barker.
Fylde 2 lost 2-1 at Carlisle 1 in North West Women’s Division One, having started sluggishly.
Having conceded twice in the first half, Fylde put in a better second half with Chelsea Atkinson scoring a late goal.
North West Women’s Division Two North saw a 1-1 draw between Chorley Phoenix 1 and Fylde 3.
Both sides created chances before Chorley opened the scoring from a short corner on 25 minutes.
Fylde levelled on 46 minutes as Issy Gut outpaced the centre-back and crossed for Megan Hartley-Smith to score.
Fylde 4 lost 3-2 against a strong and experienced Preston 2 in North West Women’s Division Three North (Central).
Ellie Hope had opened the scoring before Sophia Taylor was on target in the final few minutes.
Fylde 5 were 7-0 winners over Lancaster Nomads 2 in North West Women’s Division Four North (Central).
Alyssa Woodman’s hat-trick and Sadie Atkinson gave them a 4-0 lead at half-time, after which they showed no signs of easing off.
Atkinson scored Fylde’s fifth before Chloe Jo Simmons and Evie Green rounded off an excellent team performance.
North West Women’s Division Five North (Central) brought a 3-2 win for Fylde 6 Development against Leyland and Chorley 3.
Ruby Roberts and Imi Todd put them 2-0 up at half-time before Penny Atkinson scored a fine goal in the second period.
Fylde 1 beat Clitheroe Blackburn Northern Development 7-4 in North West Open Men’s Division Four North.
After conceding two early goals from defensive mistakes, Fylde got into their stride with Harry Gordon scoring twice.
Oli van Rijn then put them 3-2 ahead but they conceded again before half-time.
Gordon completed his hat-trick in the second half before Simon Holt scored Fylde’s fifth.
Blackburn pulled one back but Gordon’s fourth and Tim van Rijn completed Fylde’s victory.