WARRINGTON Hockey Club’s Men’s 1st team made it back-to-back wins at the start of the season thanks To an emphatic 6-0 home victory over South Manchester.
The scoring began with Andrew Gould finishing at the back post following great wing play by Carl Fairhurst. Sam Pinion grabbed himself a goal after exchanging a one-two with James Warburton who then joined him on the scoresheet showing great composure in the D to finish with aplomb. Alan Livingstone then grabbed a goal, sweeping in following a pinpoint pass from Nick Bottomley.
Livingstone then turned provider by slipping in Warburton for his second of the day before Richard Cook arrowed in a trademark drag flick to complete the rout.
Despite a strong attacking performance, the player of the match award went to goalkeeper Tom Lloyd who pulled off a string of saves to preserve a well-deserved clean sheet.
The Men’s 2nd team fell to a 9-2 defeat away at Macclesfield. Warrington started strongly, controlling the game and frustrating the hosts before falling victim to a swift counter attack. With a great show of character Warrington hit back immediately with David Hales stealing in at the far post to get on the end of a Gavin Brown cross. Sadly, Macclesfield then went up a few gears and scored seven goals without reply. Warrington then snatched a consolation through a fantastic strike from player of the match Gavin Brown who capped a tireless performance with the goal of the game before the hosts nicked another goal just before fulltime.
Warrington Women’s 1st team suffered their first defeat of the season at home against promotion-chasing Cheshire Blues who scored three times without reply.
Cheshire started strong but Warrington matched them toe-to-toe and ensured the visitors knew they were in for a tough game. Cheshire edged ahead after a period of sustained pressure which
culminated with a well-rehearsed short corner finding the goal for the first time. The challenges posed by Warrington and in-particular standout defensive performances from Olivia Mason, Chloe Bull, and Giddy Crystal led to Cheshire going back to the drawing board at halftime and approaching the second half with a new tactical plan.
The new formation paid dividends and Cheshire scored twice in the second half to take the win.
Warrington were unlucky not to score themselves with Abi Hynes, Emma Thelwell, and Kara Doyle threatening on numerous occasions.
The Women’s Development side picked up another three points with a dominant 3-0 win against Runcorn. Goals from Daniella Sutton, Nicole Williams, and Frankie Dunn made the difference while
Gloria Roden-Lui picked up a clean sheet at her first attempt as a goalkeeper. The team bolstered by five junior players can now look forward to the next challenge
