Timperley Ladies 1XI vs. Didsbury Northern Ladies 1XI

So the season has begun...with a new coach and a good set of pre season fitness Timperley were ready to go! Didsbury Northern were our first opponents; it was their first game in North Prem having been promoted in a successful 2012/13 season. Therefore we knew they would be keen to go out and get their first points on the board.

Timperley set out hard with a strong press and excellent pace forcing Didsbury deep into their half. Didsbury utilised the switch but Mortimer challenged and broke down Didsbury's movements; Timperley's first shot on goal unfortunately just going wide. This set the pace for the first half with Lexi Pantelli gaining a series of short corners for the blues. Kate Goalen sent some excellent balls to goal but to no avail.

After amounting pressure, it was Timperley's chance. Just before half time a goal came for the blues; a challenge from Mortimer and some strong stick work ended with a great opening goal. Timperley 1-0.

The second half opened and Didsbury came out all guns blazing! Forward running and breaks through midfield left Timperley on the back foot... A goal was bound to come. Luckily Forshaw had a her wits about her, managing to survive a long through ball from bouncing off the post and into goal. The back 4, Robinson, Goalen, Herdman and Field, were under more pressure and inevitably Didsbury scored. 1-1.

This gave Didsbury inspiration and their willingness amounted in further breaks through midfield leaving a frustrated Timperley side. Needless to say, Williamson received a word from the umpire!

Timperley were not defeated though...some strong stick work and possession through midfield between Malloy and newcomer Hilton, kept Didsbury on their toes. Excellent movement and distribution from Alice Williamson kept up the pace, although her commitment to defensive work amounted to an 'egg on her head', a lovely 18th birthday present for our budding youngster!

Short corners were won but excellent keeping skills from Disbury's goalie kept us at bay. At the other end Didsbury gained a short corner after a stick tackle in the D. A straight strike added another marker to the card, Didsbury 2-1 .

More opportunities came for Timperley, deep balls to Robinson and strong switches allowed Goalen to fire balls in but it wasn't Timperley's day. Another break came and Didsbury's right winger moved swiftly into the D following a spurt from the 25, clever stick work ended with 3-1 Didsbury.

A tough first game for Timperley but it's a long season and we'll set those wrongs right with our next meet, home vs Chester.