Stockport County 1 Denton Town 2 (U14 8th Sept)

Well done girls - a great start but dont get over excited, its just 1 game of
many and as last season was tough this season is goin to be a lot harder. Stockport are a good side, they will be there challening along with others so
we need to just focus on each game 1 at a time. We played some bright
football at times and can I see so much potential to come but we are still
making some silly mistakes but I know we can sort them out. We looked a little fitter today too so as we get more matches under our belts we will get stronger and stronger so make sure u get to all the training u can so we can get the fitness levels up and sort these little errors out. I'll see u all on tues girls and dont forget to listen and work hard - its for your benefit and u will get tons better than u are and ur all at a good level so lets see how far we can get yeh. ALAN.

Knowing what a good side Stockport are, and they finished last season very strongly, this match was for me, all about getting 3 very important points in the bag, and you did it. You started off brilliantly, with several really good chances before Megan netted on 16 mins, giving her a goal on her league debut. Mid way through the first half, Stockport got back into it, but thanks to Chloe W, who was alert and quickly off her line on numerous ocassions, you kept them at bay.

Sam's strike on 59 mins gave us a much needed cushion, and enabled Tim and Alan to change things round a little bit, ensuring everyone got plenty of footie. On 65mins, Stockport hit back, and this paved the way for a tense finish, in a match that overall, could of gone either way. Well done to all the girls that have moved up from the 12's - Megan, Sophie and Keely.

This was a thoroughly good game, and a credit to both sides, who both went out to win the game. Any neutrals watching, would surely of gone away with positive thoughts about girls football, as both you and Stockport put on a performance as good as any boys matches I've seen down the years.

As per usual, Stockport nominated our goalie as player of the match, but this time, I think they were correct, as Chloe W commanded her area magnificently. For them, their no.7 Renee Healey who was always a threat. The referee was Kirsty Wilkinson, officiating her first competitive match. I gave her 7 as she was nervous, a little unsure, and was a little too quick to give decisions Stockport's way when they appealed - which is why YOU should ALWAYS APPEAL for fouls, handballs, corners and throw-ins. Not saying Kirsty was biased in any way, and today's game was probably a good learning experience for her.

Alan stated above, don't get carried away. Sale next week, and you will be forgiven for thinking 3 easy points - don't! The start of the season always throws up a few surprises, and teams often change quite considerably during the summer - so beware!

NIGEL.