Denham treble sees U10s turn the tables
MACCLESFIELD TOWN LADIES FC
ON another busy weekend for the club, the U10 girls took on a strong Crewe side and were slow to settle in possession with the opposition pressing the ball high and early to good effect.
After conceding in the opening minutes, the team regained their composure with keeper RoxyLea Johnson making some fine stops and substitute Maeve Busby putting in a Girl of the Game performance in defence to ensure a clean sheet in the second half.
In their second fixture, the U10s rediscovered their attacking flair with a great result against Winsford Diamonds.
The goals in the first half – a brace and an assist for Olivia Hadley-Davies – were added to in the second by goals from striker Ellie Owen with a poacher’s finish and Naomi Groarke who capped another determined midfield display with a well-deserved first of the season. Girl of the Game went to hat-trick hero Phoebe Denham whose runs from midfield had Winsford on the back foot from the first minute.
Macclesfield U11 got off to a tough start in their game against Waverton Bees, leaving an opening in defence to concede the first goal.
The Girls responded brilliantly as a team with strong movement on the wing from Maddie Barlow and a neat solo run from Autumn Greensmith, scoring from a low corner strike.
The Bees countered well, but Ffion Barlow, Poppy Hague and Girl of the Game Izzy Dawson did a super defensive job, their long clearances supporting a hat-trick for Elsie Wall including a creative dummy pass to surprise the opposition.
The Girls showed great tactical thinking, deciding to rearrange their positions in the second half, pressuring through Izzy Budd’s sweeping defensive cover, Daisy Swanson’s midfield delivery and Jocelyn Ball’s looping crosses over the defence. Elsie’s cross through the keeper’s legs met a well-positioned Maddie Barlow on the goal line to convert a welldeserved finish.
The U12s celebrated their first win of the season as they beat Egerton.
It was another solid start with some fluid transition playing the ball out of defence.
Unfortunately a mix up at the back gifted Egerton the lead and Macc went into half time 1-0 down. The girls dug deep and it wasn’t long before they equalised with a superb goal from Isla Scott quickly followed by a second from Evie Brocklehurst.
Egerton kept pressing and equalised following a break down the right side.
Persistent Macc dug deep again and heaped on the pressure, hitting back with a third goal taken superbly by Scarlett Naden and a fourth goal (and second for Isla Scott) following a scramble on the line. With only one substitute, there were some tired legs at the fulltime whistle.
Girl of The Game went to Ashleigh Robson with a solid performance at centre back and Scarlett Naden. Final score Egerton Tigers 2 Macc Town Ladies 4, well done all the girls it was a totally awesome performance.
The U13s experienced their first loss of the season in a game that saw them struggle from the first kick against Cuddington & Sandiway.
The opposition looked like they wanted the game more than Macc, with most of the Macc team having an off day and playing below their potential. Laura Kidd was a standout performer, and if it wasn’t for her excellent defending, and Amber Newberry’s excellent saves in goal, the score line could’ve been worse.
On another day, this could’ve been a tight game and it’ll be interesting if they get another chance to play them again this season. Final score Macc Town Ladies U13 0 Cuddington & Sandiway 7.
The U14s hosted Great Moor at their new home venue. It was clear to see that every player was pumped up for this home debut even though they knew it would be tricky with a smaller squad and with captain and No.1 shot stopper Maggie
Davies out due to injury.
But luckily defender Emma Wightman stepped up to help the team as goalkeeper.
Macc flew out of the blocks at kick off and were relentless up front with crosses, cutbacks and through balls coming in from every direction.
Wingers Talia Nield and Abi Poulton and midfielders Nina Knowles and Josie Broadhurst demonstrated fantastic precision and it wasn’t long before striker Teigan McNally was on the score sheet with a clinical finish in the bottom right corner, which was soon followed by another cracking half volley finish.
The Macc defence did a great job of sniffing out Great Moors counterattacks and the midfield made sure that they held strong to allow the team to get straight back on the attack again which resulted in some awesome assists, especially one from Rebecca Thraves down the left wing to Abi Poulton who finished superbly.
Credit to Great Moor who battled valiantly and were worthy of their two goals. But there was only one winner and the match finished Macc U14s 11 Great Moor 2.
Special mentions to Bella Ashton and Abi Poulton for stepping up a year and helping out.
The U16 team hosted Newton-Le-Willows and took an early lead through Lola Craddock.
After a lengthy delay in the match for an injury to Holly Davies and with no subs Macc played the remainder of the game with 10 players but ran out comfortable 5-1 winners with Lola Craddock getting four and Ashley Powell getting her first goal of the season to take Macc to the top of the table.
Special mentions to Ruby Walton and Tez Kelly who volunteered for a half each in goal given another injury to the regular goalkeeper
The club is always on the lookout for new players, of all ages, so if you are interested in joining Macclesfield Town Ladies there’s no time like the present. For coaches, training times and location - visit the website macctownladiesfc. co. uk or email us maccladies@ gmail.com.