Have you met any of our future stars yet? This week, Paul Ireland, Vicky Cookson and Katie Adamson-Benz supported Team Dom and accompanied our rising stars to the Fylde Coast as they took on Fylde's Development side at 4pm.

Spurred on by last week's win, the young side quickly settled into position and worked well to maintain possession against the opposition who fielded a number of experienced players in comparison to Garstang's complete squad of developing players. Undeterred, the Garstang team stood strong as Captain Emma Williams took the helm and guiding the team into position. Garstang made good use of space with Kena and Zara working well down the right wing but unable to penetrate Fylde's defence.

Shannon and Aebha worked tirelessly through the middle with Ruby's outstanding performance as centre back, repeatedly clearing the ball and intercepting the oppositions attack. Fylde won 2 short corners and were taken by more experienced players but this did not deter Garstang's defence. Guided by Ellie in goal they deftly cleared any premise of attack and returned the ball to midfield.

A break in play saw Back 2 Hockey member Ashleigh create some space up front and provided a much needed break into the D. A strong pass across the Fylde keeper saw the ball meet Libby's stick as she calmly slotted the ball home to go 1:0 up at half time.

Fylde's experienced attackers saw a lucky goal, slide across the D to even the score at 1:1 in the second half but this did not phase Garstang. Determined to give it their all, Yasmin and Harriet ran the pitch and made some fantastic passes through midfield, using their skills and practising what they had learned in their coaching sessions. Bea continued to pressure the opposition in midfield creating chances for the young side to break ahead but full time soon came around and the score remained 1:1.

Given the fact that most of our players today had already played for school in one sport or another, they came together and showcased what they are made of. Naturally cohesive
as a team with plenty of smiles, we could not be prouder of each and every one of you. We absolutely believe in all of you and we cannot wait to see you all in action again next week!

Author: Katie Adamson-Benz