Blackburn Sent Packing

Saturday 21st January 2012
 
Morecambe Ladies 1sts 9 - 0 Blackburn Northern Ladies 1sts
 
Sponsored by Morecambe Press
 
In their first fixture since 10th December, Morecambe were
understandably a little rusty and took a little time to find their
feet. 
The message from injured captain Ali Standeven was to not take
too many risks in the first ten minutes and have confidence in
possession, which is how Morecambe started the game. Morecambe were
knocking the ball around very well through the midfield, but didn't
make enough of the possession to create many clear cut chances in
attack. A slight lapse in concentration after 10 minutes let Blackburn
break into the D and only a fantastic display from goalkeeper Lawson
kept Morecambe's clean sheet. This was the wake up call needed and
Morecambe responded very positively. Only 5 minutes later they found
the back of the net through striker Rogerson. Blackburn responded well
and immediately attacked Morecambe's D, but again keeper Lawson was on
hand to keep them out. A brace from "Man of the match" Broadfield soon
followed taking Morecambe into the break 3-0 up.
 
Into the second half and Morecambe were well into their stride now,
terrorising Blackburn's defence and gaining numerous penalty corners,
one of which was superbly deflected into the roof of the net by Johns.
Lawson could now take a well earned break as she was barely called
into action between the sticks, and the defensive pairing of Bowman
and Winder didn't let their concentration wane despite being virtual
spectators in the second half. A second goal from Rogerson from an
amazingly acute angle and another 2 from Broadfield soon followed.
Unfortunately for Blackburn, Morecambe didn't let up and Blackburn's
goalkeeper had a torrid time despite her best efforts. After a
constant barrage of pressure Johns grabbed her second and Garnett
smashed home the ninth goal putting the final nail in the coffin for
Blackburn.
With only a minute left Blackburn won a penalty corner which captain
Johns was not about to give up Morecambe's clean sheet for and it was
superbly defended.
 
A vital 3 points with the top two teams in the league also winning,
but the +9 goals not only helping their goal difference, but also
doing Morecambe's confidence some good going into a difficult tie away
to Clitheroe next Saturday.
 
Team: J Lawson, H Winder, K Bowman, P Fawcett, J Knowles, S Garnett, D
Hurd, G Burnside, H Johns (Capt), D Williams, A Broadfield, C Rogerson
 
Man of the match: Amanda Broadfield
 
Team Sponsor: Morecambe Press
 
Ball Sponsor: Duncan Hall Financial Services