This week’s latest update from Stockport Sports Village takes a closer look at County Ladies’ Reserves and Development team, who were both in action over the weekend.
Reserves and Development team in action:
There was no league game for the Firsts again this week, so an opportunity to see how the Reserves and Development teams are getting on.
The Reserves were playing Loughborough Lightening in the FAWNL Reserve Plate Competition, the trophy they won last season, having beat Loughborough 6-4 in a thrilling semi-final. This season, however, things didn’t go our way. Manager Dan Dewar describes the game :-
“The reserves were knocked out of the FA National League Reserve Plate competition after being narrowly beaten, by a late goal from the penalty spot.
“The game could have gone either way, and it was County that created the better chances in the first half.
“As the game progressed Loughborough kept turning the screw and probably just edged the second half, in a very tight and closely contested game. I could not fault the effort and commitment of the girls, and it’s disappointing to have lose such a close game.”
The Development Team also had a tough fixture, playing League leaders, Ellesmere Port Town Ladies in the Premier Division of the Cheshire Women’s and Youth League. Ellesmere Port are an experienced team who play good football, and it was always going to be a testing game for our Development players, all of whom where playing at Under 18s level last season.
Manager Rhys Dandeker-Bourne was very pleased with his team’s performance.
“County dominated possession of the ball in the early stages of the game, creating a few half chances. Ellesmere then grew into the game, although without ever giving our defence or goalkeeper a test. Our defensive line was solid throughout, and we played the offside trap well.
“Their goal came on 37 minutes, against the run of play at the time. We lost possession and they were able to take advantage. Once they had the lead they showed what an experienced team they are, slowing the game down and making it difficult for us. We still created chances, but were just missing the cutting edge that we’ve had in the last few games.
“I am so proud of the players both individually and as a team. From some difficult results early in the season, to competing against the best team in the league, demonstrates our growth and improvement.”
First team return to action:
The First Team are back in action this Sunday, away to Bradford City, looking to avenge an unlucky home defeat back in September. The next First Team home match is against Norton and Stockton Ancients on the 12th February, followed by a trip to Chester FC on the 19th for our first game in this season’s Cheshire FA County Cup.
