Haslingden first to hold leaders Grove
HASLINGDEN GIRLS AND LADIES FC OXFORD Grove were the opponents for the under 12s and this was always going to be a difficult game given Grove’s excellent 100 per cent start to the season where they notched 16 goals in their first game before beating Cadley 3-0 last time out.
Sure enough, the visitors started well and were creating several shooting opportunities with Louise McKenzie managing to repel anything on target.
After weathering the early onslaught, Haslingden opened the scoring when won a throw deep in the Oxford Grove half which Ana Croft Berry’s throw-in found Grace Hadley who hit an unstoppable effort high into the top corner giving the goalie no chance and putting Haslingden into the lead. 1-0
Despite going behind Oxford Grove were still pressing and Mckenzie did superbly to tip a similar strike from their player over the bar.
It was a good end to end encounter and while Haslingden hoped to hold out with the lead it came as no real surprise when Oxford Grove equalised.
Mckenzie got her hands to a low drive but the ball fell kindly for the player who was following in to apply an easy finish and put the visitors’ level at half time.
The second half started with incessant pressure from Oxford Grove. They won a number of corners in succession and it looked likely that they would take the lead.
Haslingden, however, were defending admirably and clearing well.
As the half wore on Haslingden managed to become more of an attacking force and began to camp themselves in the Oxford Grove half.
A good run from Hadley down the left flank forced the keeper into a low save.
Then a great corner from Croft Berry found Hadley who had a great strike at goal with the covering defender clearing the danger on the line from under her own crossbar.
Georgia Ma Metcalf was the next player to go close, hitting the outside of the upright with a good effort.
Oxford Grove were still causing threats on the break, albeit not as much as they had earlier in the half. Mckenzie, who was deservedly awarded player of the match for Hassy was showing good handling to ensure that they wouldn’t find a winner which would have been undeserved over the course of the game.
The final whistle sounded with Haslingden becoming the first team to score against Oxford Grove and also to take points off them in a really tough, hard-fought encounter.
Haslingden under 15s played AFC Bolton away and returned home with a 2-1 win to their name.
A very early kick off and freezing temperatures greeted the under 11s Hurricanes when they played away from home against Turton Tigers. Both teams battled well which resulted in a draw.
Haslingden Hawks under 11s came up against a very good Burnley side, in a match that could have gone to either team it was Haslingden Hawks who came out winners.
An away game in Salford awaited the under 10s Tornados.
The grass was long, the pitch was large and for most of the girls this was their first experience of nine-a-side, agreed between the coaches because both teams had lots of players.
Salford took the lead against the run of play with a clinical finish.
However, Haslingden rallied. Layla Ashworth showed excellent concentration playing it to the defenders, led by Antonia Johannsen-Ward.
Maleah Bennett’s left wing wizardry was a joy to behold as she skipped past a couple of tackles to play an inch perfect pass to Orla Brinkley, who finished with a lovely first time shot.
Haslingden kept creating chances and could have had many more goals, with Evie Riley’s tireless running upfront. A couple of crunching challenges took Maleah Bennett and Evie Riley out, but the girls kept pressing for the winning goal.
In the last few minutes Salford played the ball forward in a counter attack and were grateful that the ball fell very kindly to their striker who finished with a side foot into the goal.