Ladies 2s vs Sale

Happy New Season to the Wilmslow massive.

A new-look line up took on a mixed Sale team in the first friendly of 2023/24 at Styal Road. With the new coaching staff of Yusuf and Col, Wilmslow set up to validate their pre season prep.

The day started with a new warm up, although the early September sun might have indicated "getting warm" was unnecessary. Sale were keen to start but Wilmslow were determined to make sure their prep was sufficient. Captain Mabel Facer went off to do the toss on her first opportunity at Captain Fantastic.

The game was in great hands with Sarah "Scares" Roberts and Amy Northrop on the whistles and they did not let us down. Fair and accurate, we can only hope to see the likes of these two all season.

The first half ended in stalemate, with Wilmslow having the better chances on goal but not quite finding that backboard boom. Sale's experience always threatened and new front-marking tactics were needed to counter their plans.

Both teams had clear ring rust but were determined to make the most of the occasional - every player putting their all in against the sun and the oppo. Wilmslow had a bunch of short corners but couldn't quite replicate the training ground successes.

Wilmslow went a couple of goals ahead in the second half, only for Sale to use their high forwards to full advantage and level up at 2-2 with some clinical finishing. Highlight of the second half was Louise Hargreaves, of Sale, going toe to toe with Emma Steiger at the tip of the D and both players losing sight of the ball to no avail. Onlookers couldn't quote figure out what had happened until the post incident de-breif revealed sun blindness scuppered them both.

The unprecedented Cheshire sun forced a mid half water break and Wilmslow set out to get more shots off in the final quarter.

A solid Sale defence thwarted Wilmslow's attacks over and over and as the final whistle grew closer Wilsmlow's frustration increased. Sale's left back threw herself valiantly at a shot on the line but both umpires saw an offence and signalled for a flick. Issy Broadbent, on her Wilmslow debut, calmly stepped up to put away her flick and put Wilmslow 3-2 up.

There was time for one more goal before beers in the Albion club house and Wilmslow made the best of their home advantage to finish on a 4-2 win. Overall hockey was the winner (no apologies for cheese), and we all went of for a very amicable and well deserved beverage.

Huge shout out to Sale for a great spirited game, the pre season supporters making their voices heard and to Rach and Stu for hosting us at the bar.

Loads of positives and lots of opportunities to learn came from the game, and most importantly of all we tested out out temporary club house and it passed with flying colours.

Wilmslow Hockey For The Win