Winsford Ladies travelled to Manchester on Sunday for a match against Manchester Stingers, who were currently one place below them in the league but have two games in hand.
The ladies were hoping for a good team performance on the day and you couldn't knock them for the effort every single player put in, but it just wasn't to be. Winsford started the game with only 10 players and managed to hold off the onslaught from the home side for the first 10 minutes, until their only other available player arrived.
Manchester Stingers started the better side and took an early lead before Winsford had time to settle. However, this spurred the Ladies on and they dug deep and managed to return the favour and put the Stingers defence under some pressure too. Winsford's back four of Catherine Southern, Emma Johnson, Hanna Hewitson and Leanne Hudson and midfielders Vicky Jones, Rachel Robbins, Sarah Lee, Danielle Lydiate and Kathryn Hulme put in some guttsy performances, with most of the possession being played in the midfield.
But the Ladies just couldn't break down the Stingers defence and went into the half-time break 1 nil down.
The home teams second goal was a disappointing own goal, which was scored when the home side won a corner early in the second half. The ball was driven hard into the Winsford 18-yard box, but as Lee tried to clear the ball off the Winsford goal line, she turned it into her own net, leaving the Winsford keeper no chance.
However, Winsford rallied again and dug deep and it was long before Winsford opened their scoring. Lydiate picked the ball up in her own half and ran at the Stingers. She battled on through several tackles to keep possession and then put through the sweetest ball, past the stranded Stingers defence and straight into the path of Hulme, who timed her run perfectly and picked the ball up, running into the home sides 18-yard box unchallenged, with just the keeper to beat. Which hulme did expertly, striking the ball beautifully past the keeper and into the top corner. Stingers 2 - 1 Winsford, had the tide turned.
Winsford's lone striker Jay Anderson had only made her debut for the Ladies in their previous match, but she showed guts and determination. Anderson showed that nothing was a lost cause, as she tried to win every ball, every tackle and chased every through ball down.
The home team kicked off and battled to keep on top, which Winsford met with just as much passion. But following a Winsford attack, which broke down on the edge of the Stingers 18-yard box, the home side's pacey striker broke quickly down their left wing. However, Winsford's "Girl of the Match" Hanna Hewitson, who had been shadowing the striker throughout the game, chased her down and put in yet another well timed tackle. However, the ball didn't go out of play and fell kindly for the Stingers striker, who picked the ball up and ran unchallenged into the Winsford 18-yard box. The striker unleashed a viscious shot, which the Winsford keeper Jessica Moore reacted to and made yet another fantastic save. However, the ball fell kindly to the opposition and she tapped the ball home.
The game wasn't over and Winsford continued to push for another goal, but it wasn't to be. On the day, the home side deserved all 3 points, as Winsford's team play didn't match their individual efforts.
Winsford's next game is another tough match on Sunday, 21st February 2010, against Crewe Alexandra Ladies in the Quarter Finals of the Cheshire County FA Cup.
Kick-off 2pm.