The Team

League Match
SUN 25 MAR, 2pm	Manchester Stingers	5	v	0	Deans

Scorers
Nicola Armstrong x 3
Nichola Moran
Rachael Taylor


Player of the Match
Rachael Taylor

Match Report
Sunday 25th March brought glorious weather for the Stingers as they faced bottom of the league Deans. However with the league so tight, and other important fixtures taking place on the same day, the Gaffer assured us that there was no room for complacency in the stingers squad.

The Game kicked off to beautiful sunshine, and Deans, although depleted in numbers initially due to some latecomers, were clearly up for taking the three points. Stingers seemed somewhat disorganised, and were unable to get a firm grip on the game. However, a mistake by the Deans keeper gave Stingers their opening chance after pressure by Armstrong led to a goal mouth fumble, and another goal on the super strikers list.

As a result of this opening lead Stingers began to look more encouraging, with the midfielders gambling on some long-range shots, which were saved by the Keeper. Shelley, following form from recent weeks, in true trooper style, dived face first into the path of a recently booted ball and managed to get a good knock on with her nostrils. After treatment from the Gaffer, and reassurance from the team that she didn’t look like someone from Spitting Image, she was good to go.

The play remained somewhat bunched, much to the relief of the injured Deans players who were happy not to play it wide. Stingers persisted however, and little leprechaun Irish Nic scored a cracker with a low strike minutes before the half time whistle.

After words of wisdom from the Gaffer, stingers approached the second half more upbeat. Armstrong scored two in quick succession giving her a hattrick for her efforts, and leading the crowds to sign in unison “Are you a porn star in disguise?” Deans had a few chances with their over the top and run strategy, but the defence coped well and Mickey got to run out. Tackles were flying in thick and fast, and some questionable challenges seemed to be overlooked. Stingers continued to hold tight and were given a final chance when a pass reached the feet of Rachel Taylor who coolly slotted past the Keeper. A comfortable win for Stingers. And a well earned rest next Sunday for some Lady Golf. La de dah.

Effort of the Match: Vicky for continuously battling on despite being fouled several times. You can tell she’s a Stockport lass.

Idiot of the Match: Scouse. When talking about pitch and putt and golf tees, she quipped “Oh do they do brews, fantastic!”

Maxine Bell