Our final match was against Hartshill Blues who we had previously beaten twice in friendlies, but they had strengthened their side where we had to field a side missing a key midfield player who was unavailable on the day and a striker recovering from surgery. With the scores even at half time, we kicked off the second half in a confident mood having gone close with several efforts in the first half and having the best of the spoils. Minutes into the second half our captain Elaine Smith took a direct strike in the face with the ball. It was worrying when she went down and stayed there. The game was held up for 5 minutes while Elaine was treated for a cut above the eye and swelling that was already showing a nasty looking bruise. She was clearly shaken up and had to be replaced for the remainder on the game. Not long after this incident the only goal of the game was scored when a Hartshill player took a speculative effort from 15 yards out and the greasy ball was mishandled by the keeper, struck her on the head and trickled over the goal line.
Report by: Alwyn Day, Ladies Team Manager