PENDLE FOREST VS HASLINGDEN SHARKS 06/11/16

Wrapped up against the cold but hoping for a warm result. The Sharks lined up with Mackenzie in goal, E Hadley and Whittaker at the back, a three player midfield of Purdy, G Hadley and Halwood, with Dunn and Blackburn up front. On the bench were Horsfield, Williams and Hardiker.
The shrill whistle for the start cut through the freeze. The Sharks are on the back foot from the start of the game, this is the Forest team that beat Haslingden Panthers 2-1 the previous week. The first chance for the Forest comes from the 4th minute corner when they shoot narrowly wide. The Sharks made they next attack and Blackburn has her shot saved. After ten minutes G Hadley is replaced by Williams after going down injured in a tackle. After 12 minutes another close call on the Sharks goal. The Sharks then attack and get two corners ending with Blackburn having her shot saved. Hardiker comes on for Dunn with the Sharks still withstanding the Forest attack. Goalkeeper Mackenzie produces several fine saves and E. Hadley making several last ditch clearances. They stand firm and the first half ends at 0-0.

The games continues in the same vein as the first half with Whittaker and E. Hadley defending resolutely. G Hadley comes on for Purdy and Horsfield for Halwood. The Forest players Elliot and Ellie are creating a lot of chances for their front players, but can't get past Mackenzie. On 33 minutes G Hadley plays a through ball to Blackburn whose shot is covered for a corner. Blackburn then goes past the defence for the first time but her shot is saved. Purdy comes on for Blackburn and Dunn for Horsfield. After 37 minutes Purdy goes close with her shot, with her and Dunn looking lively up front. On forty minutes Mackenzie makes a great save to push it round the post and with the end coming closer the Sharks turn to some desperate defending with bodies being thrown in front of chances. Forest's No.17 Zara Sharples was denied on the goal line twice by Mackenzie and E. Hadley. Then in the 45th minute the Sharks G. Hadley has a chance from a free kick but the ball just fails to find Purdy and is cleared in from of the Forest goal.
The final whistle goes and the Sharks have held out for a draw. Player of the match was goalkeeper Louise Mackenzie, for the second match, just pippin her defenders Eve Hadley and Beth Whittaker. Final score 0-0.