Sharks can’t quite make their point

JUNIOR FOOTBALL STEPHEN FELINSKI HASLINGDEN Sharks were denied a point when Hyndburn scored a last-gasp winner at the weekend.

Sharks lined up Mackenzie in goal, Eve Hadley and Jasey Kay in defence, Pheobe Williams, Grace Hadley and Madison Purdy in midfield, Daisy Halwood and Emily Blackburn up front with Lauren Horsfield substitute.

In the early exchanges each team were cancelling each other out, with Mackenzie making her first save at the foot of the post in the third minute. The Shark’s first attack led to Blackburn crossing the ball to Purdy in the area but just being cut out. With Kay and E Hadley standing firm at the back a midfield battle enthused. Hyndburn’s No. 11 cut through three tackles and then slid the ball past Mackenzie to give Hyndburn the advantage 0-1. Afterwards Hyndburn’s captain shot just wide, pressure was starting to mount. G Hadley then created a chance for Blackburn but the striker hit it first time but it went wide. Blackburn continued to be a thorn in Hyndburn’s side with two more chances which both narrowly missed. Half-time 0-1.

At half-time both teams changed their goalkeepers with E Hadley for the Sharks and Halwood came on for Horsfield.

Halwood had the first shot of the second half which was saved, the first of several saves from Hyndburn’s substitute goalkeeper. In the 30th minute Williams through ball put Blackburn clear but her shot went along the goal line and out of play.

Pressure was building from the Sharks, with the midfield battle won by G Hadley, whose passing and tackling was important. Blackburn hit the post, Halwood had her shot saved and from sloppy defensive work Blackburn took the ball on but shot wide.

Time was running out for the Sharks, Purdy’s pass put Blackburn in on goal but she shot wide. In the 42nd minute G Hadley took the ball out of defence on a 20 yard run, then put Blackburn clear who then beat the goalkeeper from the edge of the box to even up the score 1-1.

G Hadley and Hyndburn’s No.10 McIntyre were battling in midfield, but when the whistle was about to go Hyndburn attacked which resulted in a shot which went into the corner of the net to hand them a 2-1 lead. The whistle went and the game was lost. ● Tom Hulme