U14's - Kirkstall Crusaders 1 - HMW 5

Hemsworth started in a confident mood after their win over St. Josephs last weekend. They got straight into their game and put pressure on Kirkstall players giving them little time on the ball. After a few minutes Hemsworth were awarded a foul at the edge of their own box. Chazzie sent the ball out to the left for Chels to collect at the halfwayline and race down the wing before cutting inside and smashing the ball into the roof of the net for the lead.

Hemsworth continued to pressure and chased every ball, Chels managing to keep the ball in after chasing it to the corner flag and then crossing it for Kelly to steer home.
Kirkstall showed they had skillful players when after a neat combination their main attacker hit the ball from a distance, that our stand in keeper George could do little about. Kirkstall tried to rally after their goal but once more Hemsworth scored following a through ball from Jodie for Kelly to run onto and confidently flick the ball past the keeper.

In the second half Hemsworth had numerous chances but found it difficult to hit the net through the packed defence. Kirkstalls defence faced corner after corner as Hemsworth piled on the pressure but the goals failed to come. Finally, Amy managed to get on the end of a good pass and turned her marker before she slotted the ball home for a 1 - 4 lead.
Kirkstall didn't give up but the Hemsworth defence stood firm and snuffed out any goalscoring opportunities, leaving Amy in the final seconds of the game to quickly follow up her shot that was spilled by the keeper to bag her second.

U14's - HMW 6 St. Josephs 1

New Nets Christened !!

Hemsworth got a much needed confidence boost after their opening two league matches against two of the leading clubs of this division.

Dominating from the start the girls took the lead after a great cross from Tiff on the right wing found Amy who finished it well. A short time later Amy collected a through ball and knocked it past the keeper to extend the lead.

By halftime Hemsworth appeared to be cruising to a home win with further goals from Kelly and Amy bagging her hat trick.

In the second half St Josephs managed to get a good goal from a thundering shot wide on the right that Siobahn managed to get her hand to but could only turn onto the post and into the net. This gave St Josephs some hope and they tried hard to get back into the game, making the Hemsworth girls raise their game again. Katie bursting down the wing to hit an excellent cross to see Amy convert for a 5 -1 lead. A short time later Kelly ran through onto a excellent chip from midfield to seal a comfortable 6 - 1 victory.

Everyone played to their full potential with new girl Ebony working hard and showing good skills. Unlucky misses from Nicky, Chelsea, Jodie and Katie showed just how impressive the Hemsworth victory could have been.

Managers Player of the Match :- Katie

HMW U14's 0 Wigtonmoor 1

It was never going to be easy for the girls after being promoted to the first division, but after last week match the girls had lots of reasons to be positive about their first meeting with the well established Wigtonmoor team. The girls acquitted themselves well against Wigtonmoor for the first 20 mins, but following a missed clearance a Wigton player received the ball and hit it into the roof of the net for a 0-1 lead.
The game then became a little flat as the Hemsworth team started to thrash at the ball rather than pass it between themselves. This was one of the main discussions over the half time break and was definitely took on board in the second half as the girls heaped pressure on to the opposition and locked the Wigtonmoor team in their own half for almost all of the second half. On the occasions they did make a spirited attempt on goal Lyndsey was on hand to chase them down and cut off their goal scoring chance.

Many attempts were made on the Wigtonmoor goal all throughout the second half with virtually all the midfield and attack getting involved but somehow none were converted through the packed Wigtonmoor defence, balls ran along the goal line without being knocked in, shots just drifted wide at the last second adding to the players and the crowds frustrations as time went on.

Corners proved to be a real worry for Wigtonmoor as time after time they were launched accurately into the box causing a great deal of panic as Wigtonmoor's defence as they struggled frantically to clear the ball.

Despite this loss, the girls should have a lot to look forward to this season if they maintain their performances and their attitude to the game.

HMW U15's 3 Brighouse 2

Despite the fact that Nigel was in hospital awaiting an operation to pin a broken hand, (on his birthday too!) the girls were determined to start the season on a high and get a win for Nigel. The team and parents knew they would have their work cut out as the match was at home against Brighouse who have always been a prominent side. However after a very successful summer tournament season, the Hemsworth girls were full of confidence and ability.

The match started and while our girls finished their cornflakes, Brighouse scored their first goal after just 60 seconds. This led to our girls determination being lifted and from then on Hemsworth dominated the match with Briony scoring soon after to equalise. Every girl showed skill and confidence to keep the ball in the opponents half with Briony soon scoring her second. Great crossing from Jade and Paige, allowed Briony to secure a hat trick by half time!

The second half saw Hemsworth suffer a few injuries that meant a mix up to the formation. The girls continued to play well, however there was a 20 minute period where mid field struggled, allowing Brighouse to claim one back. After a few players rested their injuries, they were back on to ensure Hemsworth continued their domination to the end.

All 14 girls turned up which was great to see and all 14 girls played outstanding,they showed Brighouse and more importantly themselves, what a great team they are! Special mention to all girls who were FANTASTIC!!! Well done and what a great start. The day ended with the girls singing Happy Birthday down the phone to Nigel!

HMW U14's 2 Batley Heat 5

It was doubtful that the first game of the season was going to go ahead after a weekend of endless rain. Luckily our pitches held up well to the elements and we managed to get the season underway with our first match against last seasons first division cup winners Batley.

The girls were eager to get stuck in and worked hard to achieve a good result. The first ten minutes were evenly matched but it was Batley that broke the deadlock first with a shot at goal in a crowded goalmouth that found its way into the back of the net. Hemsworth were not defeated after the first goal, the teamwork in defence from Chazzie, Becky, Jodie, and Lindsey was outstanding they battled well to prevent any further attacks from Batley. Hemsworth came straight back with a fabulous cross from Katie which nearly found the back of the net. George, Tiff and Kelly worked tirelessly to provide some excellent balls through the middle eventually providing Amy with the chance to fire a curling shot that stormed into the net to equalise the game at half time.

Sid reinforced the tactics that the team had discussed before the game which were clearly working well against this strong opposition. The second half brought about some brilliant football with end to end action. Chole and Ebony produced some strong runs. It was great to see them using some of the skills that they have been practising in training. Batley came out in the second half after a strong team talk with their coach Steve and continued to battle against us. They managed to slip another couple of goals past Siobhan who had her work cut out this week. She produced some brilliant saves and put into practise some of the development work she has been doing by coming off her line to close down the players, this worked well. Hemsworth should be very proud of themselves this week as they continued to battle and didn’t let their heads drop, the result of this was a fantastic shot at goal from Nik, this shot was taken well outside the box and was a goal that was going in the net the second it left her foot – fabulous!

Unfortunately as our steam started to run out, Batley gained another two goals and the end result finished at 5 goals to 2.

Sid praised the girls at the end of the game for their display of sportsmanship true grit and determination. He told them what a brilliant team effort they had produced. They had done everything he had asked of them at the start, they had listened and followed any guidance he had offered and most of all had not allowed the loss to dampen their spirits and had certainly not let their heads drop. It was agreed by both the home and away coaches that the Hemsworth girls were the better team on the day although the score didn’t reflect that. Steve Dobson from Batley congratulated the team on an awesome display of football! What a brilliant start to the season!

Goals: Amy and Nik

Manager’s player of the match: Nicola Grayson

Reporter of the Week : Tracey A.