The Team

League Match
SUN 07 JAN, 2pm	Manchester Stingers	2	v	1	Glossop

Scorers
Emma Hunter 37mins, Victoria Smith 75mins

Player of the Match
Shelly Hollihead

Match Report
Happy New Year fellow Stingers, hope you had a very merry Christmas, or happy alternative less popular religious celebration. Due to a transfer of our journalist to Cruz United 101, I am happily taking over as Match Reporter indefinitely.
 
Stingers squad returned to their first home game of the year two stone heavier, and with somewhat depleted numbers, due to an unfortunate disco flu epidemic. Scooby, who had spent all morning preparing the buffet for the second time almost tore her hair out as the ref carried out a last minute pitch inspection. Luckily, her uber chic ponytail kept the hair out of her face and cheers were heard as the pitch was deemed playable.
 
The game kicked off with a strong Stingers attack and chances were created from the outset. Early shots from Vicky, Rachel and Scouse were denied by fantastic saves from the agile keeper. Stingers pressed on but failed to convert their efforts, much to the supporters disappointment. Persistence though, paid off when Irish Emma scored directly from a corner, resulting in the gaffer sliding on her knees through the mud, much like children do on the dance floor in the first hour of a wedding do.*
 
The mud on her knees had not even dried when Glossop played a fantastic through ball that split Stingers defence in half and left the Glossop striker in a dangerous position. She shot from outside the box and the ball sailed past Mickeys outstretched glove. One all.
 
Stingers came out after the half time whistle determined to snatch three points and take full advantage of their games in hand. Scouse was denied when her long distance effort was bent round the post by the keeper. Irish Nic came close with a header from a corner which inched over the cross bar. And the defence played their socks off and worked hard to keep the Glossop forwards at bay. The team efforts paid off in the 75th minute when Vicky Scholsey Smith, had a long range shot which successfully bobbled passed the keeper.  A well deserved three points. Goooooooo Stingers!
 
Effort of the Match: Mickey for stepping up and braving hypothermia.
 
Idiot of the Match: Scooby: Great natural ability, shame about the hair.  
 
*Plagarised from ‘The Sound of Laughter’ by Peter Kay.
 
Tune in next week for guest reporter Scooby’s cunning linguists.

Maxine Bell