Langho Maroon 1 v Haslingden Sharks 11

Another bitterly cold winters day saw the Sharks travel over to the newly formed Langho Maroon side. No messing about, straight into a warm up on arrival and the training jackets stayed on.

To avoid having subs freezing on the sidelines agreement was easily made with the opposition to play 8 v 8; one forced sub did remain - Emily Blackburn unfortunately arriving with a slight knock.

The team lined up with Louise Mackenzie between the sticks; Eve Hadley & Bethany Whittaker marshaling the back line; a midfield three of Grace Hadley, Phoebe Williams & Isabella Dunn and leading the attack, Lauren Horsfield with Madison Purdy in support.

Straight from the off it was clear the Sharks would be engaging the Langho goalkeeper for the majority of the match. Within the first minute Hadley(G) broke from her midfield position and fired a low hard shot into the corner of the net for 0-1. A second and third goal promptly followed from the boots of Hadley(E) and Purdy. True to previous engagements with the opposition earlier in the season the Sharks coaching team had agreed to change the team around and try and bring the spirited Langho girls into the game. Attack was switched with defense; restrictions were placed on our main goalscorers and encouragement was given to find our players who don't usually get on the score sheet. The game was then played in a very relaxed atmosphere; the Langho supporters in fine fettle on the touchlines, constantly giving their girls encouragement (and us on the sidelines thanks) - it was great to be a part of it.

Steadily the goals continued to breach the Langho net throughout the game however; as well as the three listed above Hadley(E) chipped in with another to add to her tally, Whittaker & Williams both making a brace, Dunn bagging one along with Mackenzie (after being replaced in goal by Purdy for the second half) and gathering the second loudest cheer of the day, Horsfield opening her account for the team. 0 -11 then but still the Langho girls never once let their heads drop or their enthusiasm waiver. Again the Sharks decided to open up the game a little more - Hadley(G) donning a bib and joining the opposition ranks for the last 15mins of the game with strict instruction to get Langho a goal!

What then ensued was genuinely heart warming; the cheers got louder and the smiles on the Langho girls faces broadened by the minute as the new addition to their ranks peppered the Hasi goal with long range efforts and slide rule passes in behind our lines. Closer and closer Langho came to getting that elusive goal - only the agility of Purdy keeping them at bay. Mention was given earlier to Horsfield's netbuster getting the second loudest cheer of the day - you guessed it; finally the Hasi goal was breached just as the ref was placing his whistle to his lips to blow for time. A rifling shot from the edge of the penalty area straight off the laces of Hadley(G) gave Purdy in goal no chance. Finally Langho were on the score sheet and pandemonium broke out - great way to end the game.

The spirit and enthusiasm those Langho girls show week in, week out under adversity is truly humbling and all credit to their coaches and supporters. A true advert of all that's important in this age group.