STALEMATE

Despite this, it was against the run of play that Garstang were caught napping when they were distracted with a contentious official decision. Lancaster drove quickly into Garstang’s area and slotted in before Garstang had time to react.

Garstang knuckled down and began to gain some momentum with Alice Marsden and Kiery Horne working the wings. Lindsay Thornhill was unfortunate to receive a foot injury and forced to the sideline for the remainder of the game. Thornhill’s solidity was left in tact with the backline of Richardson, Brumwell, Roe and Moss looking strong.

The breakthrough came 25 mins in when a Lancaster defensive clearance was intercepted by Josie Rice who played the ball quickly up to player-of-the-match Gemma Trickett who struck the ball first time into the bottom corner. Trickett was in the mood all game and was doing some fantastic hassling on and off the ball.

Stand-in goalkeeper Lisa Richardson was in fine form when she reacted and stopped a powerful shot on goal and to keep the scores level.

The forward line of Reb Worthington, Fran Summers and Trickett were working hard pressing Lancaster’s defence, causing countless turn over opportunities for Garstang, particularly in the second half. Garstang were racking up their scoring opportunities with Trickett coming twice close and penalty corners coming and going. Unfortunately for the reds the second goal did not come and they had to settle for a share of the points.