The Team

League Match
SUN 21 JAN, 2pm	Manchester Stingers	2	v	1	GMP

Played at GMP's ground as a home fixture.

Scorers
Nicola Armstrong 30mins, (plus og from GMP)

Player of the Match
Mickey McCormick

Match Report
Manchester Stingers versus GMP…. Hmmm, it doesn’t really need much of an introduction does it?
But just let me set the context…. It’s a local derby of epic proportions, bigger than Celtic v Rangers, or United v City. With only one mile separating the clubs, players moving between the two teams, and friendly rivalry between the players, it promised to be a highly fought contest!

A last minute pitch inspection rendered the Whalley Range home ground unplayable so the fixture was played away at GMP’s home ground.  Everyone was fired up and focused following an inspirational team talk from Coach Harris.

Anyway, on to the match itself... Stingers started the game brightly forcing a corner in the first minute. The first 10 minutes GMP were camped inside their own half clearing the ball at all costs.  Rachel T and Armstrong linked up well causing the GMP defence all sorts of problems. Early shots came from Jinny, Irish Nic and Rachael T but the keeper pulled off some fine saves.  On the 10th minute Rachael T fed a ball to Armstrong who turned and shot from the edge of the box. Goal!!!! 1-0! Right in the bottom corner!

GMP managed to create some chances after this and broke the off side trap a few times. However the solid Stingers defence were there to sweep up any danger.  Stingers played some excellent one touch, ‘sexy football’, switching the play and using the flanks and getting some excellent crosses in. The midfield triangle worked tirelessly to close down the opposition, winning the first and second ball. Vicky was solid in the air and distributed the ball with precision.

The pressure on the GMP defence continued with Scouse and Armstrong going close and Irish Nic skimming the bar.  All the hard work paid off when Rachael T put the GMP defence under pressure resulting in a mix up between the two centre backs and the ball being sliced into their own net. The GMP keeper could only watch helplessly as it trickled past her. Goal! 2-0.

A heavy downpour in the second half made the game scrappy preventing both teams from playing the way they would like to play. Despite this Stingers created many chances and any other keeper would have conceded. Hats off to the GMP number 1.

GMP showed flashes of danger on the wings but Scooby and KT were alive to everything and gave them little opportunity to create chances even when the wingers switched positions.  As ever Shelley was solid at the back, making vital interceptions and encouraging the rest of the team. Helen rose to the occasion and gave the GMP strikers no leeway.

Polly made a positive impact on the game when she came on, linking up well with Irish Nic and clearing the ball from danger down the other end. An inspired substitution by Coach Harris.

After a 10 minute spell of pressure GMP forced a free kick in the 85th minute. After a goal mouth scramble it fell to the feet of a GMP forward who coolly slotted the ball under the arm of the outstretched Mickey. Goal. 2-1. The last five minutes were frantic with GMP forcing two corners. Stingers stood firm and took everything GMP threw at them.  Stingers continued to create chances down the other end with Irish Nic and Aiysha both narrowly missing the target.

When the final whistle was blown there was a huge sigh of relief! Aching muscles, covered in mud, drenched by the rain, but it was worth it as we were victorious. An excellent team effort, well done Stingers!

Idiot of the match: Scooby (again!), for sending Jonathon back to her house to get the first aid kit when she didn’t actually have it! KT had it! Yes Scooby you are a sandwich short of a picnic!

Effort of the match: The supporters – come rain or shine they are always out in force singing their hearts out and getting behind the team. We appreciate it!

Rachael ‘Scouse’ Brown