Match Reports 2005/06

Tuesday 23rd August 2005: Wigan Athletic 5 Barr Hill 1

For the club's historic first-ever fixture, the team faced a strong 'Latics side in a pre-season friendly played under a gloomy Wigan sky. The opposition presented a stiff test, with a quick and skillful attack, but Barr Hill emerged wih great credit for their battling performance and team spirit.

A win against higher league opponents was always unlikely in the team's first ever outing, but the side showed great resolve and did well to restrict Wigan to five goals. Barr Hill's first ever goal was scored by Widdowson from a corner during a spell of sustained pressure midway through the second half. Trailing 4-0 at the time, the goal sparked scenes of celebration and gave the team an historic milestone to savour.

For their part, Wigan brought a healthy, competitive attitude to the game and quite rightly didn't hold back from trying to run up a high score. Although always physical, the game was played in a good spirit and the challenges never threatened to become nasty.

Rolling substitutes and the necessity of trying players in different positions meant the team didn't settle into a pattern of play for long. A first-half injury to goalkeeper Reilly meant that strikers Mitchell and then Smith had spells in goal, and both produced some great saves.

Team: (from) L. Williams, L. Taylor, E. Woodhall, L.Mitchell, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, J. Chapman, J. Owens, J. Reilly, H. Smith, C. Hesketh, J. McDermot, S. Boardman, J. Mulgrew

Sunday 4th Sept 2005: Hollingworth Ladies v Barr Hill: Match Postponed

Pitch unavailable.

Sunday 11th Sept 2005: Barr Hill 0 Warrington Ladies 2

The first half was goal-less, with Barr Hill working well to contain Warrington fairly comfortably. When the visitors did break through, Mitchell was equal to the challenge and pulled off a good save. A 15th minute injury to Owens meant an early substitute appearance for Lockley.

After the interval, Warrington made some positional changes which had the desired effect of opening up more chances. Around 10 minutes into the half Warrington made a breakthrough and took the lead with a speedy break and low shot into the bottom corner. Barr Hill had a good chance to equalise soon after, but Williams' unselfish pass unfortunately found Moffat in an offside position. Late in the game, Warrington sealed the points with a second strike by the same player.

Overall it was an encouraging performance against a well-organised Warrington side.

Team: (from) L. Mitchell, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, J. Mulgrew, N. Aktinson, E. Woodhall, L. Taylor, J. Chapman, S. Moffat, H. Smith, J. Owens

Subs: L. Williams, J. Lockley

Referee: D. Hanson

Sunday 18th Sept 2005: Barr Hill 0 Wilmslow Albion 2

A game in which Barr Hill probably created the better chances but ended up losing out to two well-taken strikes from Wilmslow.

In a close first half, Chapman placed the ball narrowly wide when neatly sent clear by Moffat, and McGrother flighted a free kick just over the bar. However, it was Wilmslow who ended the half in front through a perfectly executed lob from the edge of the area, which Mitchell in goal was powerless to stop.

In the second half, with Moffat moving wide to allow Lockley to join Smith up front, Barr Hill enjoyed more possession and created more chances. The whole team was linking up better now, with some excellent length-of-the-field moves originating in defence and being worked all the way into Wilmslow’s penalty area. However, the Wilmslow keeper was never seriously tested and dealt comfortably with the long range shots that did come her way.

Wilmslow extended their lead, against the run of play, when an unchecked run from midfield led to a neat pass and shot into the far corner.

Barr Hill were handed a lifeline when a battling run from Lockley was ended by a trip in the penalty area, but McGrother’s penalty was fired the wrong side of the post, perhaps betraying the anxiety affecting the whole team in front of goal.

Still, further chances were created: Moffat flashed a volley inches wide, but when the same player and Mitchell (having now swapped the keeper’s gloves with Smith) got in each other's way on the edge of the 6-yard box, it seemed to epitomise a day when the chances just wouldn't go in.

Team: (from) L. Mitchell, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, J. Mulgrew, E. Woodhall (J. Povah), L. Taylor, N. Atkinson (J. Lockley), J. Chapman, S. Moffat, H. Smith, J. Owens (L. Williams)

Referee: C. Carney

Sunday 25th Sept 2005: Barr Hill 1 Great Sutton 4

In a game noteworthy for a great spirit of sportsmanship and respect between the teams, Barr Hill battled tirelessly against impressive opponents and, but for a disasterous 5-minute spell early in the second half when 3 goals were conceded, might have emerged with a point.

Great Sutton were quickest out of the blocks and took an early lead with a clever ball chipped over the defence and coolly squared by the winger for a tap-in. Barr Hill picked up the pace and grabbed a deserved equaliser with a great solo effort by Povah. The team’s first ever goal in full competition was special in more ways than one: Povah won possession in a determined challenge near the corner, turned into the area and skipped past 3 defenders before nonchalantly flicking the ball past the keeper.

Great Sutton responded with some sustained attacking football, keeping Mitchell busy in nets and twice forcing Critchley to clear from right under the bar.

Looking to exploit their aerial dominance, Great Sutton began the second half with a series of high balls into the area. The tactic paid dividends almost immediately with 3 goals in a devastating 5-minute period.

Although the game was now out of reach, Barr Hill showed terrific resilience to keep battling and avoid a collapse.

Great Sutton continued to press, but Barr Hill refused to lie down. By now Smith had taken over the gloves from the injured Mitchell, and was in great form, dealing calmly with high balls and shots.

Team: L. Mitchell, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, J. Mulgrew, L. Taylor, J. Chapman, E. Woodhall (H. Smith), L. Widdowson (J. Lockley), J. Owens (L. Williams), S. Moffat, J. Povah

Referee: S. Barton

Sunday 2nd Oct 2005: Heyside Angels 3 Barr Hill 2

Barr Hill coped well with a lumpy, sloping pitch and enjoyed the lion's share of possession in the first half. The team took a deserved 1-0 lead into half-time courtesy of a well-taken goal by Lockley, latching onto a superb through-ball from Moffat who was running the midfield brilliantly.

Just minutes into the second half Lockley was bundled over in the area and it looked as though Barr Hill would have the chance to double their lead from the penalty spot. However, after a moment's hesitation, the referee waved play on and the advantage swung to Heyside. Exploiting the slope well they launched a series of attacks which yielded three well-taken goals, including a long-range effort that arrowed into the net just under the bar.

Barr Hill kept battling and Povah grabbed a goal with just over 10 minutes remaining to set up a tense finale. Although the score remained 3-2 to Heyside, Barr Hill can once again take heart from an excellent team performance that deserved more.

Team: L. Mitchell, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, J. Mulgrew, L. Taylor, E. Woodhall (L. Williams), H. Smith, J. Lockley, J. Owens, S. Moffat, J. Povah

Sunday 9th Oct 2005: Macclesfield Town Ladies 3 Barr Hill 2

It was a case of deja vu as Barr Hill produced another strong performance but missed out on the points their efforts deserved.

Macclesfield took an early lead in the first minute, with a high ball down the centre that was neatly tucked away into the corner. But once again, the team's strength of character was evident as they battled back to end the half on level terms, Lockley lashing Mitchell's perfectly-weighted through-ball into the roof of the net.

Then, for the second week in succession, Barr Hill were denied a clear penalty claim when Povah was shoved after taking the ball round the centre half. It was hard luck on Barr Hill, as even some Macclesfield players admitted.

The game continued in entertaining and keenly balanced style in the second half. Macclesfield edged into the lead again when their striker was first to react to an unfortunate fumble by Smith. Again Barr Hill fought back on to level terms, and again Lockley was the player on target, this time thumping home a ball that had been worked well into the area by Widdowson and Povah.

Both teams continued to create chances - Barr Hill had another penalty claim turned down (this time for handball), while at the other end Smith was kept busy and saved bravely at the feet of strikers on several occasions.

The scores were still level as injury time began, with both teams looking capable of scoring again. In the end, it was Macclesfield who made the decisive break-through in the 95th minute, with a powerful drive from just outside the area.

Once again, although the points eluded them, Barr Hill emerged with great credit for a tremendous spirited performance.

Team: H. Smith, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, J. Mulgrew, L. Taylor, E. Woodhall (L. Williams), J. Chapman (L. Widdowson), L. Mitchell, J. Owens (J. McDermott), J. Lockley, J. Povah

Sunday 16th Oct 2005: Fletcher Moss 4 Barr Hill 1

Sorry - no report available.

Goalscorer: Povah

Team: L. Mitchell (E. Woodhall), A. Critchley, L. McGrother, J. Mulgrew, L. Taylor (N. Atkinson), S. Moffat, J. Chapman, H. Smith, J. Owens (J. McDermott), J. Lockley, J. Povah

Sunday 23rd Oct 2005: Barr Hill v Hollingworth Ladies: Match Postponed

Hollingworth Ladies unable to field a team.

Sunday 30th Oct 2005: Barr Hill 2 Wilmslow Albion 6

Smith in the Barr Hill goal pulled off two early penalty saves to keep the team in the game, but ultimately her heroics were in vain as the side succumbed to their heaviest defeat of the season.

Barr Hill's recent bad luck around the penalty area plumbed new depths as two shocking penalties were awarded against them in the first twenty minutes of this eventful game. However, Smith was in great form and parried both to be cleared to safety by alert defenders. Before and after the spot kicks, Smith was also kept busy by the Wilmslow attack, but her positioning was good and her handling confident and safe. Nevertheless, it was Wilmslow who led at the interval, taking the lead through an unchallenged header at the backpost after the keeper had been unable to cling on to a wicked in-swinging corner under the bar.

Barr Hill began the second half in a positive mood, playing neat, passing football which soon yielded a deserved equaliser. Mitchell, playing with a strapped-up broken arm, collected Lockley's through ball and drove emphatically past the keeper from the corner of the area. Unfortunately, the even scores were only short-lived: although Barr Hill looked most likely to hit the net again, it was Wilmslow who broke through and retook the lead. However, Barr Hill still had the bit between their teeth and soon levelled for a second time when Mitchell burst down the left and drove a low, hard centre that a retreating defender could only help into the Wilmslow net.

To their credit, Wilmslow came back again with a stunning goal which proved to be a watershed in the game. A corner was spectacularly bicycle-kicked into the roof of the net at the near post, a goal which seemed to knock the stuffing out of Barr Hill whose grip on the game unraveled alarmingly thereafter.

There was a brief flurry of excitement on the sidelines when Atkinson removed her tracksuit , but it turned out only to be in preparation for her introduction as a substitute.

Three more goals followed in the final 15 minutes and, although one appeared offside, there could be no mistaking Wilmslow's domination by the end.

Team: H. Smith, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, J. Mulgrew, L. Taylor, E. Woodhall (N. Atkinson), S. Moffat, J. Chapman (L. Williams), J. Reilly (L. Mitchell), J. Lockley, J. Povah

Sunday 6th Nov 2005: Barr Hill v Hollingworth Ladies: Match Postponed

Sunday 13th Nov 2005: Great Sutton 3 Barr Hill 0

With the squad hit hard by injuries and unavailable players, the cup visit to league leaders Great Sutton was always going to be a difficult assignment. Sure enough, Great Sutton got off to a racing start, exerting relentless pressure on the Barr Hill goal right from the off. It was nothing less than their flowing forward play deserved when they eased into a 2-goal lead within 20 minutes of the start.

With only one substitute available and several players already carrying injuries, manager Hall's options were fairly limited, but a reshuffle of some sort was clearly needed. Opting for a switch to 4-5-1, she brought Mitchell into the back line to counter the aerial threat, and assigned Taylor to mark Great Sutton's speedy right-winger. The changes paid dividends handsomely as Barr Hill constrained the deficit to two goals for the next hour. Great Sutton finally registered a third goal 15 minutes from the end, but thanks to heroic tackling and blocking by the midfield and defence, and some good saves by Smith, the league leaders were frustrated in their attempt to run up a higher score.

Meanwhile Lockley, playing as lone striker, battled tirelessly but chances for possession in the Great Sutton half were understandably limited.

In the circumstances, the result was a tremendous achievement for the Barr Hill team who refused to buckle in the face of sustained pressure. Considering that Great Sutton had scored 7 against second place Fletcher Moss the week before, it was a performance for every member of the side to be proud of.

Team: H. Smith, A. Critchley (L. Williams), L. McGrother, L. Taylor, J. McDermott, J. Owens, E. Woodhall, S. Moffat, J. Chapman, L. Mitchell, J. Lockley

Sunday 20th Nov 2005: Barr Hill v Heyside Ladies: Match Postponed

Frozen pitch.

Sunday 27th Nov 2005: Barr Hill 1 Macclesfield Town Ladies 1

In an entertaining game with plenty of chances at both ends, Barr Hill finally got the result their performance deserved, halting in-form Macclesfield's 3-game run of victories.

It was Macclesfield who struck first with a through-ball down the middle which split the defence; the striker ran clear and calmly slotted the ball past Smith after quarter of an hour. Barr Hill responded with a series of lively attacks and some dangerous corners from Mulgrew and McGrother. Three or four excellent chances were created, but the nearest Barr Hill came to levelling the score was a header from Mitchell that hit the bar. At the other end, Macclesfield continued to pose a threat on the break and were perhaps unlucky not to have been awarded a penalty for a foul right on the edge of the box, the referee judging the offence to have occured just outside the area.

Barr Hill continued to press in the second half, but had to wait until the final quarter hour to equalise. The break-through came after a series of neat passing moves down the left, one of which led to a foul on Owens who was clattered just outside the box. Despite Macclesfield protests and after a lengthy delay for treatment to Owens, Mitchell stepped up to curl a beautiful free-kick over the wall and under the bar.

Macclesfield stepped up their efforts to reclaim the lead, but failed to seriously test Smith again. Although Macclesfield felt aggrieved about some decisions which went against them, Barr Hill were certainly overdue some luck following some of the contentious decisions that have gone against them recently (including the away game at Macclesfield). In any case, a draw was the least that Barr Hill's play deserved, and the final whistle was greeted with cheers all around.

Team: H. Smith, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, L. Taylor, J. Mulgrew, J. Owens, E. Woodhall, S. Moffat, J. Povah, L. Mitchell, J. Lockley

Subs: L. Widdowson, J. McDermott

Referee: D. Hanson

Sunday 4th Dec 2005: Barr Hill 1 Fletcher Moss 5

Sorry - no report available.

Goalscorer: Mitchell

Team: H. Smith, J. Povah, L. McGrother, J. Mulgrew (L. Taylor), A. Brennan (J. Lockley), E. Woodhall, L. Mitchell, S. Moffat, N. Atkinson, J. Chapman (J. McDermot), J. Owens

Sunday 11th Dec 2005: Warrington Ladies v Barr Hill: Match Postponed

Barr Hill unable to field a team due to injuries.

Sunday 18th Dec 2005: Barr Hill v Hollingworth Ladies: Match Postponed

Frozen pitch.

Sunday 8th Jan 2006: Warrington Town Ladies 0 Barr Hill 0

Barr Hill kicked off 2006 with a well-earned draw in a keen but sportingly contested game at Warringon Town's impressive Cantilever Park. In fact, having created the lion's share of chances, Barr Hill might have considered a draw a disappointing return but for the final 15 minutes when Warrington surged forward strongly and were only denied by equally determined defending and goal-keeping.

At first it appeared that Warrington's large pitch was in poor condition and might present problems for both teams, but in fact it had dried out well and apart from some bobbly sanded areas in the goalmouths played very well. The teams were evenly matched, and Warrington's bold decision to hold the back line high on the halfway line offered the prospect of repeated breakaway attacks by Barr Hill. Indeed the first-half's main talking-point arose from just such an attack as Mitchell burst clear of the defence to face the Warrington keeper, well-advanced from her penalty area, alone. Mitchell lifted a shot over the keeper who leapt to save and was extremely fortunate that the referee, still in festive mood, only brandished a yellow card for the offence. Warrington's reprieve was completed when McGrother lifted the resulting free-kick just over the bar.

In the second half, Barr Hill continued to probe Warrington's audacious high line, with Moffat, Owens and Woodhall sliding and chipping balls through. Although many moves fell prey to clamourous offside appeals, on those occasions the trap failed Warrington were so flagrantly exposed that Barr Hill looked sure to hit the net sooner or later. However, as the game wore on and several good openings were spurned, it was Warrington who finished the game the stronger, and ultimately Barr Hill were grateful for the confident handling of Smith, aided by some terrific tackling, to keep their first clean sheet and celebrate their first league point.

Team: H. Smith, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, L. Taylor, J. Mulgrew, J. Owens, E. Woodhall, S. Moffat, A. Brennan (J. Chapman, J. McDermott), L. Mitchell, J. Lockley

Subs: L. Widdowson

Sunday 15th Jan 2006: Wilmslow Albion v Barr Hill: Match Postponed

Postponed due to Wilmslow Albion's cup commitments.

Sunday 22nd Jan 2006: Great Sutton Ladies 4 Barr Hill 1

After a valiant effort and some very hard graft, Barr Hill had goalkeeper Smith's excellent form, and some wasteful Great Sutton finishing, to thank for keeping the score down to four.

As in their previous visit to the high-flying Merseysiders, Barr Hill found themselves reduced to 12 players by injuries and absentees. Great Sutton got off to a flying start with some speedy breaks down both flanks, and before long took the lead. Camped mainly in the Barr Hill half, Great Sutton added a second from a poorly defended corner, and then a third before half-time, again from a speedy attack. In between whiles, Smith had pulled off some great saves including an incredible double-save when faced with a one-on-one.

Although under pressure for long periods of the half, Barr Hill still managed to create two or three excellent opportunities that lacked only the final touch. Owens showed great skill and pace to beat three players on a brilliant run from near the halfway line to the six-yard box. Finally she calmly prodded the ball past the keeper, only to see it roll agonisingly across goal and inches wide of the far post, just eluding McDermot's desperate effort to connect.

There was little doubt that Great Sutton deserved their 3-0 lead at half-time, but Barr Hill responded well in the second half and pulled a goal back when Mitchell drove home an indirect free kick awarded against the keeper for keeping the ball too long.

Although Great Sutton continued to create the majority of chances, Smith was looking unbeatable in goal until a penalty was awarded for handball against Taylor. Although there was clearly contact with her arm, Taylor was unfortunate that she was unable to get out of the way of a ball driven hard across the penalty area. Facing the spot-kick Smith guessed the right way but the penalty was firmly placed beyond her reach and into the bottom-right corner.

Team: H. Smith, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, L. Taylor, J. Mulgrew, J. Owens, J. Chapman, J. McDermott, L. Widdowson, L. Mitchell, J. Lockley

Subs: L. Williams

Sunday 29nd Jan 2006: Barr Hill 1 Heyside Ladies 2

With the sun shining on a beautiful, still winter’s day, the stage was all set for an entertaining match. Unfortunately, what emerged was a scrappy, sometimes bad-tempered affair which will hopefully not live long in the memory.

Barr Hill’s first-half performance was muted, whilst Heyside looked livelier from the start and capitalised upon it, taking a 2-0 lead into the interval. Barr Hill might look to an early injury to Mulgrew which forced Owens back into defence, but the back four rarely looked confortable and were too easily beaten for the opening goal - a surging run through the centre capped with an assured finish. The second goal was equally impressive, a dipping shot from outside the area that found the gap between keeper Smith and crossbar. In fact, things might have got worse for Barr Hill when a penalty was harshly awarded against Critchley for pushing. Thankfully Smith continued her recent excellent form and rescued her team-mates with another penalty save, pushing the ball around the post for a corner. It was only one of many great saves which earned her another MOTM award.

A stern half-time team talk by manager Hall inspired a much better performance from Barr Hill in the second half, and as they wrested more control of the game from Heyside their visitors grew increasingly frustrated and querulous. Barr Hill’s improved efforts were rewarded with a goal mid-way through the half when Mitchell beat the keeper to a loose ball on the edge of the area and steered it into the corner of the net. While handing Barr Hill some hope, the goal also triggered an increase in Heyside’s petulant behaviour, and the game grew increasingly fractious.

There were no further goals and a collective sigh of relief was heard when it was finally over. On a day of few positives, Barr Hill can at least reflect with satisfaction on another storming performance from Smith, and on the way they battled back into a game which had looked beyond their grasp at half-time.

Team: H. Smith, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, L. Taylor, J. Mulgrew (L. Widdowson, J. McDermot), J. Owens, J. Chapman, E. Woodhall, A. Sinclair, L. Mitchell, J. Lockley

Subs: L. Williams

Sunday 5th Feb 2006: Barr Hill 1 Hollingworth Ladies 2

Barr Hill started the match confidently, and it came as no surprise when they took the lead within 20 minutes – a Mitchell cross from the left was superbly headed in by Lockley. Barr Hill continued to dominate with Mitchell having the lion's share of the chances. The first half saw an excellent team performance, with the back four rarely looking troubled, and Owens looking menacing on the left wing. Barr Hill deserved more than the one goal lead at half time.

The second half saw Hollingworth come back into the game, and they scored an equaliser on the hour mark. Smith's first touch of the game was to retrieve the ball from the net. From that, Barr Hill heads visibly dropped, and Hollingworth managed a winner fifteen minutes from time, with only their second shot on target in the match.

Despite the result, there were some positives from the match: Chapman played an impressive game at left back, and there was a good debut at right back by Ward. MOTM went to Owens for her tireless attacking play down the left wing.

Team: H. Smith, J.Ward, L. McGrother, L. Taylor, J. Chapman, A. Sinclair (J. McDermot), E. Woodhall, J.Povah, J. Owens, L. Mitchell, J. Lockley

Thanks to Eleanor for this week's match report

Sunday 12th Feb 2006: Barr Hill 1 Fletcher Moss Blues 1

On a wet and windy afternoon, Barr Hill showed great commitment to achieve a hard-earned draw against third-placed Fletcher Moss Blues on a quagmire pitch.

The visitors, playing with the wind behind them, started strongly and took an early lead, although there was a strong suspicion of off-side about the goal. For their part Barr Hill created two good openings but the visitor's keeper was equal to both Widdowson's chip and Mitchell's low shot.

Barr Hill came out for the second half with all guns blazing and launched a series of promising attacks. Their pressure - and particularly Moffat's tireless tackling - were rewarded when Moffat harried a defender attempting to let the ball run out over the goal-line. Showing great tenacity Moffat brilliantly nipped between defender and keeper to prod a perfect ball back across the face of goal. Sinclair was alive to the possibility and had made a run into the area so she was ready to thump the ball emphatically into the back of the unguarded net.

The goal provoked a strong fight back from Fletcher Moss, and for the final 20 minutes it felt as though they were camped in the Barr Hill half. Fletcher Moss hit the post and fired in several more goal-bound efforts, but some determined defending, including a goal-line clearance from McDermot and more goalkeeping heroics from Smith, thwarted all their attempts and ensured that the game ended with honours even.

After the game the team were treated to the sight of manager Hall taking a mud bath on the touchline - a self-imposed forfeit for swearing, although there was some speculation that the renowned mudlark seemed to be enjoying her "punishment" just a little bit too much.

Team: H. Smith, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, L. Taylor, J. Chapman (J. McDermot), A. Sinclair, E. Woodhall, S. Moffat, J. Owens, L. Mitchell, L.Widdowson

Subs: L. Williams

Sunday 19th Feb 2006: Barr Hill 1 Macclesfield Ladies 2

After some recent spirited performances, hopes were high for a positive result against Macclesfield, but a curiously subdued display from Barr Hill allowed the visitors to leave with all three points despite a rather mediocre showing of their own.

Barr Hill started brightly with some neat passing moves that augered well without actually forcing the keeper into a difficult save. However, it was Macclesfield who took the lead after 10 minutes when their forward surged powerfully through the defence and placed a firm shot wide of the diving Smith in nets. The goal deflated Barr Hill's early confidence and they were forced onto the back foot for the remainder of the first half.

The second half resumed in much the same fashion, and the result appeared to be settled when Macclesfield scored a second goal in almost identical circumstances to their first.

The introduction of substitutes Mulgrew and Brennan had a reinvigorating effect on Barr Hill who grabbed a goal back with 15 minutes remaining, Mitchell driving home a near-post cross from Widdowson at the second attempt. Shortly afterwards a third substitution was required when Taylor was withdrawn with a bloody nose having been caught by an elbow in an ugly challenge.

The final 10 minutes saw Barr Hill produce their most dangerous spell of the whole game, forcing a series of corners and saves from the visitor's keeper. However, it was too little too late and Macclesfield held on to complete a League double over Barr Hill.

Team: H. Smith, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, L. Taylor (L. Williams), J. Chapman (J. Mulgrew), A. Sinclair, E. Woodhall (A. Brennan), S. Moffat, J. Owens, L. Mitchell, L.Widdowson

Sunday 22nd Feb 2006: Hollingworth Ladies v Barr Hill: Match Postponed

Pitch unavailable.

Sunday 19th Mar 2006: Barr Hill 1 Hollingworth Ladies 1

A three week fixture gap took its toll on Barr Hill who seemed to lack some match sharpness. Nevertheless, it was the home team who took the lead after around 20 minutes when McGrother�s free kick was converted by Mitchell. The game continued as an even contest with both sides making a number of chances, but there were no more goals before half-time.

After the interval Hollingworth increased the pressure and continued to press the Barr Hill goal. With around 10 minutes remaining, goal-scorer Mitchell was substituted having been injured. Having withstood some intense Hollingworth pressure, including a goal-line clearance from Critchley stealing in between two hesitant attackers, Barr Hill finally conceded just 5 minutes from the final whistle. A corner wasn�t cleared properly and the visitors scrambled the ball home for the equaliser they deserved.

Despite the disappointment of not holding out for all three points, Barr Hill can take particular encouragement from the performance of Coyne who made an excellent debut appearance at right-back.

Team: H. Smith, A. Critchley, L. McGrother, L. Taylor, J. Coyne, E. Woodhall, S. Moffat, J. Owens, J. Lockley, A. Sinclair, L. Mitchell (J. McDermott)

Subs: L. Williams

Referee: D. Hanson

Sunday 23rd April 2006: Barr Hill 0 Heyside Angels 1

Ultimately the 1-0 victory was no less than Heyside Angels deserved, but was a harsh reflection on the heroic efforts of a Barr Hill side severely weakened by injuries and players missing due to work or family commitments. On a punishingly hot afternoon the "weakened" team, over half of whom were carrying injuries, not only presented a determined defensive barrier to the ever-competitive Angels, but the midfield and makeshift attack of Woodhall and Mitchell carved out some respectable chances of their own.

A mixture of dogged defence and wasteful Heyside finishing saw half-time arrive with the game still goal-less. Despite tired legs Barr Hill continued their brave resistance up until the 75th minute when the bounce of a high ball deceived the defence, setting Heyside free for a clinical finish which scraped beneath Smith's dive.

Even after the goal Barr Hill refused to crumple and carried the fight until the very end, forcing a flurry of corners and scrambles in the closing minutes. With the penultimate kick of the game Mitchell, fed by McDermott, had one last chance to level the scores, but her powerful shot from the edge of the area rose high and wide of the goal.

Despite ending in defeat this was a remarkable performance full of energy and pride that augers well for the future if only the squad's depth can be increased over the summer.

Team: H. Smith, L. McGrother, L. Taylor, J. Coyne, S. Moffat, L. Widdowson, J. Chapman (J. McDermott), A. Sinclair, L. Mitchell, E. Woodhall

Sunday 30th April 2006 : Wilmslow Albion v Barr Hill : Match Postponed

Wilmslow Albion unable to field a team.

Sunday 14th May 2006: Hollingworth Ladies 1 Barr Hill 2

Barr Hill's inaugural season ended happily at Hollingworth as the team celebrated their first competitive win in an end-of-season thriller that lifted them clear of the last-place spot. Owens' injury-time winner was harsh on hosts Hollingworth who had sportingly agreed to fulfil the fixture and only had 10 players, but no-one can deny that Barr Hill fully deserved their moment of glory after a season of tireless endeavour that has rarely been reflected in match returns.

The game was played in a competitive but well natured spirit, with both teams creating plenty of chances. Barr Hill emerged from the first half with a slender one goal lead courtesy of a clinical finish from Sinclair who pounced on a poor back-header from the Hollingworth midfield to drive crisply home into the far corner.

In fact Barr Hill nearly ended the half with a 2-goal advantage but a smart finish from the dynamic Moffat was ruled out by a narrow off-side decision.

It was clear that the second half would be even tighter as Hollingworth swapped keepers to release a skilful winger after the interval. However, it was Barr Hill who made the early running with several electrifying breaks from Owens down the left leading only to near-misses and scrambled clearances. Hollingworth survived the pressure and went on to claim an equaliser through a twisting, turning run that flat-footed the Barr Hill defence and low drive that squeezed in under Mitchell's dive.

The final half hour was bound to be tense as both sides continued to create chances at one end and survive scares at the other. As the game entered injury time it could still have gone either way, and indeed the decisive move came from a swift break out of defence by Chapman and Owens. After breaking once again down the left the ball was crossed but eluded the central attackers, running on out towards the right wing. Widdowson showed tremendous tenacity to chase down two defenders who appeared to have the ball covered and rob them, before turning inside and driving a square pass back into Owens at the far post. Under great pressure Owens made no mistake with a rising drive which unleashed ecstatic celebrations as it voluptuously swelled the back of the net. The frustrations of a season's hard-luck stories and narrow defeats evaporated in an instant as the long-awaited first win and simultaneuous leap-frogging of nearest rivals Hollingworth were achieved.

There were another agonising 90 seconds for Barr Hill to weather an inevitable all-out push from Holingworth, but the whistle eventually came and the players were able to celebrate finally securing the victory that their performances throughout their debut season have surely merited.

Team: L. Mitchell, L. McGrother, L. Taylor, A. Critchley, J. Chapman, S. Moffat, L. Widdowson, J. Owens, J. McDermott, E. Woodhall, A. Sinclair