Sharks shine with hat-trick from Hadley

JUNIOR FOOTBALL HASLINGDEN Sharks enjoyed a 4-0 win against Langho Under-10s.

The Sharks lined up with Louise Mackenzie in goal, Beth Whittaker and Eve Hadley in defence, Jasey Kay and Madison Purdy in midfield, Daisy Halwood partnering Emily Blackburn up front with Grace Hadley as substitute.

The game was played on a 3G surface which was conducive to the Sharks play.

The game began quietly with Whittaker having to clear twice in the first two minutes, before the Sharks began to take control.

A neat one-two between Halwood and Blackburn ended with the latter shooting just wide.

The Sharks were building up a head of steam and in their next attack Halwood and Blackburn both hit the post, it was only a matter of time before they scored.

Halfway through the first half Kay had her shot charged down and following up Purdy shot wide. Blackburn gave way to G Hadley, who made an immediate impact having her first shot saved and putting the follow up just wide.

The first goal came after 17 minutes with Purdy taking the ball out of defence before passing to G Hadley, who went past two Langho players and buried the ball into the corner of the net.

Langho were on the back foot with not much incision up front and half time came 1-0 to the Sharks.

Blackburn came back on in the second half to form a formidable partnership up front with G Hadley. They were beginning to run the Langho defence ragged.

Blackburn with her close control and her jinky runs, and G Hadley with her long passing and shooting.

The first shot of the second half came from Purdy’s long range effort which stung the goalkeeper’s hands.

The second goal then arrived courtesy of G Hadley, who slotted it home in the box.

A minute later Blalckburn added a third goal, then after five minutes the fourth goal arrived from the boot of G Hadley, who completed her hat-trick.

The passing and movement of Blackburn and G Hadley were a joy to watch while Halwood in midfield was having her best game yet, breaking up play and passing well.

After 11 minutes of the second half Mackenzie had to make her first save when she came out to block.

Purdy, Blackburn and G Hadley all had chances with the Langho goalkeeper saving five times, with as many going wide.

The Sharks then played a friendly against Langho development squad. The Sharks had goals from E Hadley, B Whittaker, D Halwood and E Blackburn.