SENIORS
With the first team's Cheshire Cup match away to Macclesfield Town falling victim to the weather, attention focused on the Reserves fixture at home to holders Middleton Athletic in the Cheshire & Manchester WFL Challenge Cup.

County took the game to their Division 1 opponents from the first whistle and were almost rewarded in the first attack of the match when Kim Seddon found herself in space inside the penalty area and chipped her shot over the keeper's head only to see it rebound off the cross-bar. The next ten minutes were played at a frenetic pace with County dominating the early exchanges and were rewarded by two goals of the highest quality, firstly from Grace Campbell shortly followed by a Lisa Mitchell strike, both from outside the penalty area. This acted as a wake-up call to Middleton as they could see the cup slipping from their grasp and they reduced the deficit on the half-hour with another quality finish which looped over keeper, Jade Thornborough's head and into the top corner.

Middleton came out for the second half with all guns blazing and, as County had done in the first half, dominated the early exchanges and it was a just reward for them when they equalised midway through the half with a superb strike, again from outside the penalty area.

The tide turned with 15 minutes to go and it was County's turn to dominate and numerous chances went begging as, due to injuries to Neya Webb and Kim Seddon, County's makeshift forward line with Kayleigh Traynor and Paige Clarke couldn't quite find the space to create a goal-scoring opportunity, in fairness due to some resolute defending.

County regained the lead in the first period of extra-time when Paige picked up a through ball from Grace to run beyond the defence and calmly place her shot wide of the keeper.
County were then reduced to 10 players when Paige left the field and. as the match entered the final five minutes more drama was still to unfold as Lisa Mitchell grabbed her second of the match to put County in the lead yet again. Surely this time Middleton would relinquish their grasp on the Cup? Not a chance, they went for broke straight from the restart and with the clock ticking had one last attempt and netted a third equaliser.

County, without any recognised forwards on the pitch, headed for the dreaded penalty shoot-out and, sadly, it was not to be their day with Middleton winning 4-2 on penalties.

Blues also exited the Cup, losing away to Second Division Ashton United, 1-0; Katie Race was Blues player of the match.

JUNIORS
The Under-16s secured their place in the Challenge Cup Final with a comprehensive 4-1 defeat of local rivals, Hillgate Blues. Alex Wilson led the way with two goals, Libbi Nolan and Clare Lee scored one apiece. Player of the match was Abby Cooke. The final will be a repeat of last year's as Denton beat Poynton in the other semi-final, but hopefully with a different outcome as Denton took the trophy with a narrow 1-0 win.

Despite enjoying most of the possession, the Under-15s lost out to Altrincham, 1-2, County's defence, with player of the match Tasha Maloney in fine form, limited the opposition to two long range strikes, one a free-kick, unfortunately both of which hit the net. Helen Taylor scored County's consolation.

The Under-13s extended their unbeaten League run to 13 games with a 3-0 win over Droylsden to remain second in the table, a point behind leaders Denton. Hotshots Beth Clark (2) and Lydia Henshall took their season's tally between them to 38.

Both County Ladies Under11s teams were in League action against each other in a real derby match. With the score goalless at half-time, new signing for DMS, Megan Banks opened the scoring only for Chloe Meaden to equalise with a superb strike from the edge of the penalty area. Another new signing, Aimee Clouston netted the winner with five minutes remaining to round off a player of the match performance. Keeper, Chyna Ellison was DMS player of the match for another outstanding display between the posts.

All juniors training now take place on the 3G pitch at Woodley Sports FC. We welcome girls of all ages and abilities. 6 - 7.30pm for Under8s to Under-13s and 7.30-9pm for Under-14s to Under -6s. All coaches are FA Level 1 or Level 2 qualified. For further details visit our website, www.stockportcountyladiesfc.co.uk or contact Audrey on 0161 612 5005

For details of seniors training, please contact Mark at mark.lockyear@virgin.net