Haslingden Sharks U10's vs Haslingden Hurricanes U9's

A friendly between Haslingden Sharks U10's and the Haslingden Hurricane's U9's took place on Sunday, with both sides having nine players on the field and a substitute each. The Sharks lined up with Louise MacKenzie in goal , Eve Hadley and Bethany Whittaker in defence, Pheobe Williams, Grace Hadley and Izzy Dunn in midfield, with Madison Purdy, Emily Blackburn and Daisy Halwood up front. Lauren Horsfield was substitute.

The Hurricanes played one of their first matches together as a team but showed no signs of first match nerves. With their Coach Adam having them passing the ball and competing all over the pitch. The Shark's strong midfield kept a control on them with G. Hadley leading the Sharks midfield with style, making chances for the ever willing running of Blackburn and the resourcefulness of Purdy. Goals were at a premium, with both goalkeepers keeping the ball and then on 20 minutes on a corner from G. Hadley the ball landed at Blackburn's feet, who jinxed past two players before putting the ball into the opposite corner of the goal. 1-0 for the Sharks. The Hurricane's were playing neat football just lacking that cutting edge. Half-time came and still 1-0 for the Sharks.

The Sharks changed Mackenzie in goal for Purdy and they began the second half in dominant form. Dunn now pushed forward and began to create chances for herself, but the |Hurricane's goalkeeper not putting a foot wrong and with very good handling kept Dunn out. With the Sharks pushing forward the Hurricanes broke away and came close to scoring, going just wide. With Mackenzie and E. Hadley playing well in defence chances were few. Meanwhile chances at the other end came and went, with G. Hadley going close with a 20 yard effort going just past the post. Blackburn and Dunn were working hard up front but could not add to the single goal. The game finished 1-0, with the Haslingden U9's putting up a spirited display, and looking good for the future. Izzy Dunn was the Shark's Player Of the Match as she improves with every match.