With both Darwen and Haslingden both turning up with good squad numbers, and healthy numbers in support, this 7v7 encounter was always set to be a cracker!

From the onset Darwen set up stall and put on a tremendous demonstration of defensive resilience, thwarting many an attack from the positive playing Haslingden girls. Darwen used this defensive strength to act as a springboard to launch a few tricky counter attacks that asked multiple questions of the well organised Haslingden defence. With such defensive play calling on a great deal of concentration, Darwen eventually succumbed to a fine break-though from the ever energetic Florence Geldard, who, after benefiting from a tremendous sequence of passing from Summer Jackson and Senaiya Knill, found herself in a perfect position to make sure the ball firmly met the back of the net.

Darwen quickly tuned back into the terrific level of concentration shown prior to the goal and settled back into their ‘you’re not getting past’ game plan.

Coming out for the second half, Haslingden had the added benefit of the friendly sunshine warming their backs, a sunshine that would pose a different welcome to the impressive Darwen goal keeper…..

Haslingden came out in the second half, reassured that it was possible to find a way through the dogged Darwen midfield and defence, and it was only a matter of minutes before a long range Aerial drive from Hattie Simpson stretched the top right hand corner of the Darwen goal . Darwen, not showing any sign of disappointment, kept on pressing……

The Darwen determination and enthusiasm called for changes in the Haslingden personnel which resulted in Summer Jackson adopting a more forward playing role, which in turn resulted in Summer finding herself in a goal shooting position……..a powerful low drive caused panic in the embattled Darwen defence, and despite best efforts, a wicked last ditch deflection ushered the ball neatly into the bottom left hand corner…….

The game continued to be well contested, with opportunity after opportunity opening up for both sides, a level of enthusiasm shown only by two sets of girls hat clearly enjoy their football……….what a game and what a tremendous spectacle for the loyal and respectful sets of supporters……

The game kept giving, with the Haslingden defence tested time and time again…….Darwen found themselves in a splendidly opportune position, breaking clear of the Haslingden defence…..only to be deterred on this occasion by the ever impressive goal keeper Hollie Thomas who quickly reacted and launched herself fearlessly wide and low towards her right hand side, deflecting the menacing shot around the foot of the goal post……

And within seconds we find ourselves turning attention to the back peddling Darwen defence and the commanding Darwen goal keeper……….Florence Geldard was at it again, route one speed and drive, meeting the back of the busy Darwen net once again……..

The Haslingden offensive continued, mustered up by the inventiveness and trickery of Senaiya Knill, gaps were beginning to open up due to the hectic pace of events……..a twist, jink and quick look form Senaiya paved the way for a speculatively winding high drive that bruised the top corner of the right hand Darwen cross bar…………only to bounce out to the perfectly placed Hannah Grace Parrott who let rip with a slide rule precision shot that wedged into the bottom left hand corner of the Darwen goal………

The match-play, skills and teamwork on display proved a pleasure to watch, both teams were a credit. From a Haslingden point of view, and in addition to those already mentioned, the defensive organisation between Rebecca Hamilton, Isla Heyes, Gracie Bewley and Summer Jackson were particularly pleasing to watch. Determination and decision making ever improving on the back of some good work in training. Midfield remained energetic and efficient, plenty of defensive cover and transition play from the inventive and consistent Kaytee Tobin, complimented by the electric ‘terrier-like’ wizardry on the wing by Darcie Dixon. The Haslingden girls are really coming on as a team and with Harriet Williams set to return to the squad and new recruit Olivia Holt set to strengthen the squad, the future looks so exciting for this fun and friendly group of footballers ?

With the game drawing to a breath taking close, both teams triumphant in their efforts had a bit more work to do…….choosing to warm down and relax with a token penalty shoot-out. Start to finish, a great football match with both sets of girls, supporters and coaches enabling a perfect setting for a really good morning event.

Super hosts Darwen, thank you so much and best of luck on your football journey ?

Lee Simpson (coach)