On a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon Uppermill Ladies met with Manchester Rovers at Walton Park. Manchester Rovers kick off and Uppermill were straight in.For the first 10 minutes it was all a battle in the centre but Uppermill were dominating. From a cracking cross on the right Caz was able to thump a powerful shot but unfortunately it was straight at the keeper. Manchester Rovers were struggling to get a hold of the ball due to some very good closing down by Uppermill. The first goal came from a collaboration of the front two as Helen fed a ball through to Foxy who kept calm and slotted it into the net. 1-0. Not long after, the keeper made an error when passing the ball out, Helen was straight onto the ball and placed the ball into the goal. 2-0. Rovers were trying their best to get it out of their half but the offence were just closing everything down. It wasn't long until Sinead slotted the ball away after a very unselfish pass from Helen. 3-0. It was all Uppermill as Rovers looked deflated. Next came a team goal with Foxy, Soph and Helen teaming up very well and finally Helen taking the goal. 4-0. There were some very good moves and Uppermill worked well not just going forward but covering for each other as we saw by the next goal as Rio took a throw from the right hand side, Rach covered in giving Rio the freedom to run with the ball and get a cross in. The ball deflected off a Rovers defender and glided into the net. Rio, Rio, Rio. 5-0. It was all getting a bit much for Helen, as the ball was crossed into her on the edge of the 6 yard box for her to tap in, she fluffed it over the bar. Ash Jacko was happy to be on the pitch and made a cracking run which led to her taking on the keeper and getting herself a goal. 6-0. Half time blows and Uppermill are very happy. Oranges all around. 2nd half starts with a couple of subs and Uppermills confidence high. As Uppermill kick off its clear that there will be no let up for the opposition. As Helen gets a lucky break, a poor goal kick lands at her feet and she doesn't let them off. She nets her hatrick. 7-0. Shortly after, Helen latches onto a Caz pass and nets again. 8-0. It was time for Gemma to have an attempt, a placed shot from just inside the box. 9-0. The ref had been lenient here and there but there was no doubt that a Rovers defender touched the ball with her hand in the box. PENALTY. Caz stepped up and after a search for the penalty spot, placed the ball into the bottom left hand corner. 10-0. Rovers were strong and were looking to battle throughout the match but Uppermill stayed strong and fought them off. Appeals for off sides and fouls were shouted from both sides but you play to the whistle. Ash benefited from the opposition not doing this, as a tackle was made the ref played on, Rovers stopped. Ash didn't, one on one with the keeper she took the keeper on and slotted it in the net. 11-0. At this point everyone wanted to be on the score sheet. Amy having a couple of half chances, Sophie having a shot or two and even Holly going on a storming run down the wing. It was finally Amy's chance as a move from the defence ended at her feet, with the goal in sight she placed the ball in the far corner, netting Uppermill's 12th. 12-0. There were further chances for Nat and Rach but it wasn't their day. My favourite goal of the day came next as Gemma crossed the ball from the corner and with some kind of running frog jump Helen volleyed it straight into the back of net, getting her fifth and making it 13-0 to Uppermill. You could see how tired Rovers were but Uppermill still had fight in them. With a minute or so to go Ash kept pressure up and fed onto a ball to go yet again, one on one with the keeper. You guessed it 14-0. That's how it ended.Again commendations go to the defence for keeping the opposition out and only letting Emma have 6 touches all match. Man of the match was given to Caz by Rovers. It was too hard for me to choose a MoM as the team were great. Well done Uppermill 100% win rate still intact. Onwards and Upwards!
