Haslingden Sharks V Clitheroe Wolves 05/02/2017

The Sharks were hopeful of overturning the loss of the reverse fixture at Clitheroe Wolves. They were up against a strong resourceful side and were on the back foot for the first five minutes, but with E.Hadley being a stalwart in defence they were repulsed several times. G Hadley was breaking up the mid-field and feeding Blackburn up front who went on her direct runs at goal. G. Hadley was then pulled back into the defence to help her sibling E. Hadley out. Purdy took over the midfield role with Halwood to keep feeding Blackburn the ball.

The Wolves number 21 Mason had a stronghold on the midfield going close on several occasions, the Shark's goalkeeper standing firm making several saves. In the 21st minute Blackburn went past two defenders and her cross was short of Purdy who was ready to pounce. In the 23rd minute G. Hadley sent Blackburn off down the wing and this time her cross was met by Purdy on the volley and the ball flew in the net for 1-0. The Wolves Mason had two more shots saved being pushed round the post. Half-time arrived and the Sharks were 1-0 up.

In the second half Wolves turned up the pressure, and a minute into the game Dunn did a tremendous block on the line to keep the score at 1-0. Dunn was all over the pitch helping out both defence and attack. Blackburn was still dangerous and in the 36th and 39th was through one and one with the keeper, but the keeper managed the push the shots round the post. Shots were coming in from Wolves, twice hitting the post and then in the 44th minute Wolves pressure paid off with the Wolves Player of the Match Green scoring with a shot from outside the box making the score 1-1.

In the 54th minute Blackburn was through again and again her shot was saved. With time running out the Sharks got a corner and from G. Hadley's cross first Blackburn and then Halwood had shots saved. With the Sharks defence standing firm the game ended 1-1. Emily Blackburn deservedly received the Sharks Player of the Match.