19 September 2018
1st XI v Grange
The 1st XI played their first game of the season away at Grange on Saturday. After losing so many Upper VI girls at the end of the summer, this was a very young and completely new team. The game was end to end with chances for both teams. The commitment, work rate and atmosphere on the pitch was terrific throughout and it is exciting to see so much potential in this squad. Although we were unfortunate to lose 1-0 it has given us an extremely positive starting point.
U14 v Grange
The U14s were certainly out to impress in their first game of the season. From the first whistle they took total control of the game, working the ball around to create space up front to attack. The first goal came early in the first half after a great run from Captain Dani Merrick setting Talia Armstead through on goal, a well saved shot resulted in Natasha Hartley-Smith picking up the rebound and slotting the ball away. The team continued to press with some impressive play in the midfield, great attacking play from Ella McDonald resulted in a superb goal from Talia Armstead. A further three goals were converting leaving the final score at 5-0 at the final whistle. A fantastic all round performance from a very talented U14 squad.
U13 v Grange
The U13s enjoyed an excellent start to the season as they beat the Grange 1-0. An end to end first half ended 0-0 with Anya Jackson making some excellent saves in goal and the Kirkham defence tackling and marking well. Emily Marsh and Lily Harrison marshalled the defence and were well supported by Rebecca Fisher and Millie Homan with Martha Millar shielding well in front of the defence. At the other end, Maisie Bailey and Jasmine Schofield both had good chances after excellent work in midfield by Jess Cole, Hennie Thompson and Rachel Watson.
In the second half, Kirkham's persistence and determination paid off. Excellent play from Maisie Bailey and Sophie Birchall-Farr created space on the left and found Alicia Threlfall unmarked in the D before Jess Cole managed to force the ball past the Grange goalkeeper. The end to end nature of the game continued with both teams having good chances but ultimately Kirkham came out on top to win 1-0 in their first ever 11 a side game.
KGS U15
Due to a change in The Grange’s team availability, it allowed KGS U15s to play against KGS 2nd XI this weekend for an in house friendly fixture.
Both teams displayed an impressive standard of hockey and showed a great level of potential for the up and coming season. The U15s attacked well, linking play and working together as a unit.
For a first performance a full side, the 2nd XI demonstrated some great defensive hockey and worked very well together as a team.
The game ended 0-0 with both teams creating opportunities; shots and short corners. Both teams are looking forward to their next game in the following week and are excited for the first game of the season!