Brookfield 2 Morecambe 1

BROOKFIELDS took to the field with their regular 10 players and played well below par to register this convincing win.

As usual following a free weekend, the home squad were sloppy for the opening 10 minutes and Morecambe enjoyed more possession than they deserved.

With defenders Emma Holmes and Helen Warburton keeping the final line, Claire Thompson was able to play further upfield and her fine crosses kept Morecambe's defence busy.

Linda Dunstan made some telling breaks and Sue Langan found herself in excellent positions to pass and fire within the D but unable to find the net.

Brooks were awarded plenty of penalty corners but the technique between Louise Whaite and Jane Blackwell did not work this week. But the latter was on hand to slot in the opener following a well worked one two between her and Patterson, which split the defence and left them with only the goalie to beat. Surprisingly scoring did not lift the game.

Brooks still maintained possession but were sluggish, their work rate rarely raising itself above first gear but their passing was adequate for them to make some openings.

Their second goal came just before half time, a nice through ball from Caroline Smith found Patterson, she wrong footed the goalie and slipped a back flick into her right, that gently crawled over the line. They went in to the break with a nice cushion.

Morecambe changed tactics in the second half and man marked Patterson. With her and injured Holmes having less impact Brooks were effectively down to eight but they controlled and maintained their lead until the last five minutes of the game when once again a late (dispute) tackled close to the edge of the D and sailed out of her reach into the top right hand corner of her goals.

It was good to leave the sodden pitch with this win under their belt but Brooks know that they were lucky not to be playing a stronger team in this apathetic mode.

Brookfields are still vying for the top of the league (before this match Nelson were leading on goal difference) but they need more players. A weekly commitment although preferable is not necessary, a bank of players keen to register and play occasionally would help. Call Emma on 01257 411951.