Haslingden Girls U9s Vs Clitheroe Under 9s

The pressure was on to continue Haslingden’s winning form with their first match at home this season. With Coach, Steve sunning himself in Spain it was up to Holly Taylor’s Dad to step up with help from Steven Ashworth to try and get a third win of the season on a fantastic sunny morning in Rossendale. Poppy Millard started between the sticks with Holly Taylor and Lyla Cullen in defence. Fern Ashworth and Meisha Gamble started in midfield, and Missi Lou Harvey and Alannah Pollard went upfront with Gabby Rosthorn waiting to come on. In the first half Pollard and Harvey has some excellent attacking spells helped on by some great passing in the midfield which resulted in the first goal coming on 12 minutes from Ashworth. Cullen and Taylor did an excellent job in the first half defending some strong attacks from Clitheroe whilst Pollard and Rosthorn helped to pile on pressure. It was 1-0 at half time following some good goalkeeping from the Clitheroe goalkeeper. The second half started with strong pressure from Clitheroe and a number of chances led to a goal 10 minutes in to the second half making it 1-1. Haslingden didn’t allow the goal to get to them and made a series of attacks with some great passes leading to an own goal 3 minutes after Clitheroe had equalised making it 2-1. Taylor kept Haslingden in the game pulling off some fantastic saves with the help of Millard and Cullen at the back showing some good moments in defence. Two minutes later Ashworth scored another great goal for Haslingden making it 3-1. Haslingden had some great possession in the second half with Rosthorn and Gamble adding some excellent pressure. Haslingden put together some great team performances as well as showing some good technical skills through corners and throw-ins. With 7 minutes to go Clitheroe pulled one back making it 3-2 following some strong attacking moments. Haslingden continued to pressure and Ashworth almost completed a hat-rick, but was tackled sending the ball just wide of the goal. Haslingden finished the game 3-2 to remain top of the league. Taylor was deservedly awarded man-of-the-match for a great second half performance in goal. A great win for the girls and smiles all round ready to go in to the next match.