Dalston Ladies Hockey

Dalston Ladies Vs Wigton Ladies

 2nd Oct 2004

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Dalston played their first home fixture of the season at Caldew on Sunday against Wigton 2^nds. This local derby is always keenly contested and this game proved to be no exception and it was clear from the start that no quarter would be given by either side. Dalston exerted pressure on the Wigton defence almost immediately and forced three short corners from which Michelle Armstrong, Rachel Gardhouse and Sheila Downie all came close to finding the first goal. With an early injury to Louise Wilson, new recruit Rose Charters was given a baptism of fire as it was then Wigton’s turn to put pressure on the Dalston defence. Controlled play from Carol Davidson and Laura Clark, together with tireless running from Sue Henshaw muting Wigton’s dangerous young striker, enabled Dalston to remain on top of the game. Wigton eventually forced their own short corners and the Wigton attack scored.

Stung by the Wigton score Dalston once again went on the attack with Joanne Keyden and Kirsty Williams working hard to pierce the Wigton defence but Dalston were unable to capitalize on the ground they gained.

Dalston came out for the second half knowing that they had to convert the pressure that they had exerted in the first into goals. It was determined attacking play by Joe Wilson that found her driving over the Wigton 25 yard line. She then hit a tremendous cross which having deflected off the stick of Sheila Downie made it’s way through a confused Wigton defence into the goal. Heated debate followed but after consultation, the umpires agreed to give the goal, to draw Dalston level.

Players and spectators alike were now involved in match where pride and reputation were at stake. This showed in the standard of end to end, spirited hockey being played which was a credit to both sides. Wigton center forward Megan Cook found her touch and provided Laura Cunningham with the opportunity to shine on more than one occasion in the Dalston goal. With pressure mounting on the Dalston defence it was the Wigton attack that broke the deadlock.

The 2-1 scoreline meant for Dalston it was now all or nothing. Surging runs from Michelle Armstrong and debutante Kayleigh Vickers found Dalston repeatedly in the Wigton D but with time running out the equalizer could not be found. The final whistle blew and left a disappointed Dalston side reflecting on some great hockey played that just couldn’t be converted into goals, but also a fine performance against a side with enviable strength in depth.

Dalston: Carol Davidson (c), Laura Cunningham, Laura Clark, Sue Henshall, Louise Wilson, Rose Charters, Kirsty Williams, Kayleigh Vickers, Rachel Gardhouse, Michelle Armstrong, Jo Wilson, Sheila Downie, Rachael Potter, Joanne Keydon, Natasha Burgess