It was a perfect day to play hockey as the sun shone down on the Timperley hockey pitch.
The ladies 1s arrived, albeit a little stiff from a tough game the previous day, ready to go again and defend their title of the Cheshire Cup.
After Cath's naughty dog had finally returned her car keys the team were kitted up and out on the pitch. Jay de-briefed the squad on the new regulations of putting the goals out and as a squad we decided we wouldn't need the chairs out (which led to a disgruntled set of coaches!)
As the first whistle went it was clear that the opposition were keen to take something from the game. Timperley's work rate was faultless but led to them making silly errors within their usual game play.
Frustration started to build within the Timperley squad which unfortunately led to our assistant coach getting a green card due to a cross word with the umpire. The girls work rate continued at a high level however, weren't lucky enough to direct this into goals - today was not our day!
Timperley moved around the pitch as a unit with all players working and defending well to maintain a clean sheet and not give any short corners away. To Kate's amusement, even Becks found herself saving one off the line! Although Becks was just as amused by this, she continued to communicate well across the pitch, which was appreciated by the team.
Throughout the game, their defence thwarted us, with their centre back playing a key role in denying us from entering their defending D. She even managed to block Kate's fireball slaps on Timperley's short corners.
At the other end of the pitch Timperley did exactly the same, Amanda made some key saves along with support from the Timperley defenders and mid-fielders. Sarah tracked back so well she took herself out leading to a minor case of whiplash.
The last 10 minutes were key to the score line in this game; a sneaky goal in the last 2 minutes put the opposition 1-0 up. Mike made a quick change in formation, playing with 11 outfielder players but unfortunately the opposition made a quick break towards Timperley's D. Sophie worked hard to get back, along with the rest of the team, and managed to get a touch on the attackers shot. Sadly, it was not enough to take it wide of the goal and seconds before the final whistle the opposition made it 2-0.
An unlucky weekend for Timperley Ladies 1's but a positive de-brief and training session approaching we are sure to turn the frowns upside down!

Great work rate from the whole squad including those who made a debut for Timperley 1s - Amy Astill, Alex Mulligan, Isobel Broadhurst and Sophie Binder.