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February 2004 results

Sunday 29 February 2004
	Manchester Stingers 3	-	2 Accrington Ladies
	Eve - 23 mins Jinny Ursell- 33 mins Rachael Taylor - 76 mins Player of the Match - Karen Harris

The Team
Lisa Harvey-Smith (sub - Tess Ptonka 60), Karen Harris (sub - Nichola Absalom 80)
Emma Flint, Eve (sub - Maxine 55), Rachael Taylor, Jinny Ursell
Gwen Davies, Maggie, Shelley, Katie Fingers
Jane Laycock (gk)

Match report
It was a cold, crisp, fresh February day when Stingers took to the field for their match against the ladies from Accrington. The mood was positive with Stingers sporting new yellow socks and black shorts along with new but rather oversized yellow tops. They looked the part and felt the part. Right from the referee's whistle the Yellows dominated and attacked the Accrington goal. With a strong performance from Eve in the middle and some great control and skill from Lisa and Karen, the Stingers had a good few chances. Eve struck goal 23 minutes into the game with a fantastic strike from over 20 yards out. The fans went wild and the players too, although Eve was none too impressed when her team mates ruffled up her hair. The game continued and again the Yellows attacked. Lisa ran in from the left and shot at goal, the keeper dived,the ball struck the post and landed right at the oncoming Jinny's feet, she smashed it into the back of the net. A great team effort. On her debut in goal Jane had all to do when the ref awarded the Accrington ladies a penalty just before half-time. Looking nervous but confident Jane saved the penalty which was swiftly kicked out by Katie. Stingers went in at half time 2-0.

The second half wasn't as simple. Accrington piled on the pressure, Stingers were all over the place. Accrington got 2 goals back very quickly making the score 2-2. Heads didn't go down this time, Stingers kept trying, passing the ball around like Arsenal in the Premiership. Their hard work was rewarded when Karen got passed 2 players and passed the ball for Jinny to flick on to Rachael who controlled the ball superbly and fired it over the keeper into the back of the net. Stunning stuff! The Stingers hung on for what seemed like an eternity, every player battling away. Lisa, who'd played superbly up front, was subbed by an equally impressive Tess after a blow to the head. Nic and Max kept up the pressure when they came on for tiring legs. The defence kept calm and controlled with brilliant performances by all in the back 4. Shel and Mags contained the attacking Accrington while Katie Fingers and Gwen worked tirelessly on the wings. It really was a great performance. When the final whistle blew there was nothing but joy from fans and players alike. Stingers had given it everything this game and fully deserved their first win of the season. May this be the end of a bad run for the Yellows, the players certainly think it is.

Other results
Burnley FC Girls 8 - 1 Frodsham Rangers

Sunday 22 February 2004
	Manchester Stingers 0	-	5 Frodsham Rangers
	Player of the Match - Shelley Hollihead

The Team
Lisa Harvey-Smith, Jane Laycock (sub - Kate Whitehead 45)
Scooby, Rachael "Scouse" Brown, Rachael Taylor (sub - Max 65), Jinny Ursell
Gwen Davies, Shelley, Mickey, Katie Fingers
Anne Tibbets (gk) (sub - Tess 70)

Match report
The Stingers enjoyed some chilly sunshine and a new kit for their first match in four weeks at the Whalley Range ground. Absences included Karen, Nic, Maggie and Emma but the team were still spoiled for quality players and had a full compliment in the squad.

The game began with some possesion for both sides, but as is often the way the Stingers soon conceded as an easy pass to a Frodsham player un-marked at the back post provided the opener for the visitors. Another Frodsham goal followed, but the Stingers worked hard to prevent a collapse reminiscent of the previous game against Burnley Girls. The yellows began to pick themselves up and push forward, leading to promising breaks into
the box from the stingers forwards. There was some good link-up play between the midfielders and strikers and Jinny was frequently in a good position to put crosses into the box. The Frodsham defence proved difficult to beat however, and nothing came of these efforts until the 37th minute when Scooby made a penetrating run into the box and was
brought down, winning a penalty. Jane stepped up, but hit the ball low at the keeper's legs and the rebound was cleared.

Early in the 2nd half Frodsham made the score 3-0 from a bold lob from 35 yards over the head of keeper Anne.
Stingers fought hard at times in the second half but the goal they so needed remained elusive. A further two goals were conceded and changes were made to the goalkeeper and Tess, Kate and Max were also introduced. Although the
yellows played a positive and passing game at times, the story remained familiar.

Other results
Bolton Wanderers Reserves 5 - 1 Buxton
Burnley FC Girls 11 - 0 Blacon Youth
Everton St Domingos 6 - 0 Accrington Ladies '91
GMP 3 - 1 Glossop North End
Leigh RMI 4 - 2 Greyhound Gunners