Today's Reporter: Captain White

9.30 am. Green kit packed, keeper kit washed and a birthday Ball. The only thing missing was Jeannette’s famous cookies, an umpire for the men’s 2s and an email from Lymm confirming the game.

After tanning for the occasion, the captain approached the half way line ready to toss off. “Heads.” she announced confidently. Push back went to Knutsford. The stage was set.

The game started with lots of pressure from the Lymm players who began the game with high intensity and physicality. This pressure eventually resulted in a powerful reverse stick shot which snuck past the keeper’s near post. 1-0.

After a couple of tantrums involving eye rolling, stick slamming and shouting; Knutsford had no choice but to lift themselves up and continue the game.

Birthday girl, Liz Ball, used the width well to feed the ball out of the defensive half. Gill and Lockey made some excellent runs on the right and left giving the team energy and pace. Katie Price offered options in the midfield and allowed Knutsford to keep some possession and grow into the game more.

That being said, the defence were soon overloaded again and Lymm capitalised. 2-0.

Lymm were 2 goals to the good and the thought of another half of hockey was not turning Knutsford Ladies’ 1s on at all. However, the last 5 minutes of the first half presented a more intense Knutsford with a desire to pick up some points.

The Knutsford coach and chairman gave what can only be described as a Jürgen Klopp-style team talk. Ready and raring, the team set up for the second half.

Straight away, Knutsford looked brighter and they knew they could get something out of the game. Amy Bruce, Katie W and Lucie Hinton were solid at the back and hassled the Lymm attackers well.

After a flurry of chances, Knutsford won a flick after the ball had been stopped by a Lymm toe on the goal line. Without hesitation, the Knutsford coach boomed, “Up you go, Liz.” And up the defender went. This moment had been visualised and manifested since Wednesday. She picked her spot, gave the keeper the eyes and sent her the wrong way. The ball tickled the net. 2-1. Game on.

Typically, within a minute of the goal being scored, Knutsford conceded a short corner but it was kept out brilliantly and they were off again. Liv Hope and Julie did a great job of winning the ball back in tight areas and then pushing the ball up. League returns for Nat Riley and Hannah Quinn were welcomed as they reminded everyone of their attacking prowess and class. Knutsford looked like their old selves.

No one had told Knutsford it was Opposite Day, it appeared only the umpires knew. So, Lymm won a lot of short corners and peppered the Knutsford goal with shots. The defence stood strong and kept the score at 2-1. Susie Hough communicated the back like brilliantly to help stop the rot.

The umpires held 2 fingers up to indicate the dying minutes of the game. Jess Flack’s pace was important when keeping the ball away from the Knutsford goal and she offered a spark of energy to the end phase of the game.

Knutsford won a short corner. A superb injection from club legend Sarah Locke met another club legend, Katie Price. The ball was knocked from Price to Nat Riley who had the last touch of the game. Need I say more?

2-2. What a result for Knutsford who snatched what feels like a victory from the jaws of defeat. Down but not out. For Julie. For Liz.

Attendance: 30 + Feargal the dog