Doncaster Vs Timperley Ladies

Sunday 18th September saw Timperley Ladies 1st XI travel across the majestic Pennines to play Doncaster Ladies 1s in the first round of the EH Investec Women’s Cup. After a gruelling league opener away to Sheffield in the baking September sun, followed the skipper’s Big Birthday gathering the day before, the Timperley side were surprisingly chipper on arrival. Indeed, the youngest of the side showed an eagerness to inspire, arriving an hour and half pre-meet time whilst a few vets of the side proved stragglers following a mysterious overnight car key evasion.

With all present and accounted for, a short and snappy warm-up led both teams to start the first half of the game at a high tempo. The first half saw a fairly even performance; Doncaster’s punishing breakaways kept the Timperley defence busy, eventually leading to short corner attempt for the home side which the organised Timperley defence thwarted effectively.

Approaching the half time whistle the Timperley attack capitalised on a Doncaster slip as, awarded a penalty corner, Timperley forward Mortimer volleyed a rebounded strike at goal into the back of the net. Timperley 1, Doncaster 0 into half time.

After a well sought half time break in which players from both sides sought the solace of shade from the baking sunshine, the second half resumed at pace. Doncaster pressed Timperley well, forcing outletting errors from the defensive unit. A gritty Timperley weathered the storm however, valiantly thwarting the Doncaster attacks on the D with all 11 players acting as one defensive unit.

Timperley’s second goal came as a foul was drawn from the Doncaster defence and the visiting side converted the second of their penalty corners of the game.

Doncaster weren’t to be easily beaten however, and the onslaught continued from the home side leading to a test of the Timperley keeper after a cheeky Timperley foot saved a goal on the line. The Doncaster flick was no match for Jones’ cat-like reactions however and the score remained at 2-0.

Timperley’s third goal came after an inspired connection from the Timperley defence, midfield and forward line of short and simple passing delivered Molloy with a prime scoring opportunity which was grabbed with both hands. 3-0 to Timperley.

Yet still the home side refused to lie down and in the dying moments of the game managed to scramble a goal back from a final whistle penalty corner. Final score: Timperley 3, Doncaster 1. Next round 23rd October, opposition and venue to be confirmed.