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1st Game: Away versus Liverpool John Moore's 2nds

Date: 18th October 2006

Kick Off: 2.00pm

Fresh faces were abundant in the Lancaster University Women's Football team as they kicked off their first game of the season. Numerous spaces had been made in the squad, after many of the players from last season graduated early this year. Even though the starting line up for Lancaster was unrecognizable from the winning team last season, the old timers, or second years shall we say, ensured that the new players were involved in the spirit of last year, which led the team to winning the league and promotion into the next division. Lancaster knew that they must make an impact and start the season on a high note. The game commenced and all eyes were on the ball.

Lancaster started off bright and in control of the game, constantly pursuing the ball and pushing John Moore's back into their half. The new Lancastrian players looked comfortable in their positions and the old timers shouted plenty of encouragement to keep the team working together. Within eleven minutes Lancaster were winning by two goals to nil, the first goal scored by Rebecca Baxter and the second scored by Sue Wynes, who was wonderfully assisted by captain of the women's football Catherine McCartan. Emily Hyslop then scored a goal in the 23rd minute of the game and Lancaster looked strong and positive. On the 35th minute Sue Wynes scored her second goal of the game, John Moores defence appeared to struggle with the tripartite striker formation Lancaster had adopted. The half time score was 4-0 and the Lancaster players came off for a reassuring team talk.

Eager to top up their goal count, the Lancaster Ladies stepped out on the pitch before John Moores. The second half did not begin well for Lancaster, in the 50th minute a penalty was awarded to John Moores. The penalty was taken but confidently saved by Lancastrian goalie Katie Perry, unfortunately a rebound shot was struck and John Moores salvaged a goal back. After the goal Lancaster lost a little of their steam but managed to resurrect their spirit, too much in some cases as a player from each team was booked for dissent, however if you can't get passionate for your team, what can you do?

As Lancaster started to push forward again, John Moores began to struggle with the attacking pace of Lancaster as the strikers tore up their defence. A wonderful one handed save was required by the John Moores Keeper when Kathryn Montgomery tricked two defenders and dodged the keeper before shooting. The John Moores keeper had managed to track back from her first attempt at stopping shot to save the second strike.

Lancaster was then caught on the break and in the 58th minute John Moores had a near miss while Lancaster was sighing with relief. From then onwards Lancaster collected themselves and looked the more organized team. This was rewarded by another three goals; the first and second were scored by Sue Wynes in the 68th and 74th minute. And the last goal was a cracker from Jenny Murphy, who was brilliantly assisted by the talents of Sue Wynes.

The final Score of the match was 1-7. Although at some points in the match Lancaster looked shaky overall the team performance was tremendous. Special mention should go to Georgia Phillipson who was voted Woman of the Match by her peers and coach for her excellent display as sweeper. Lancaster is looking forward to continuing this standard of play in their up and coming matches.