Aka: New Year, New shoes 

(Refer to Jan ‘17 v Bury 2s 1-1 draw for 1.0)

Resolutions made: 3

Resolutions broken: 3

Resolution 1: Dry January- Date broken 1st January 

Resolution 2: make training every week - Date broken 2nd January 

Resolution 3: no amateur dramatics on the the hockey pitch - date broken 6th January 

We were excited. Pumped in fact. Nervous energy seeping through our veins, along side caffeine (in my case).

We’d thought of nothing but Bury since January 2024. We knew the task ahead of us would be a big one, but not one that we thought beyond us. 

Tim, in true managerial fashion, was chewing his gum ferociously as he prepped us with tactics.

First half we started a little nervously and allowed them to get the better of the two starts, quickly we managed to find our feet (except for mine which were still midair) and linked some amazing play out from defensive. Special mention to Jess Reed, Jenny and Kate who did a huge job in the defensive screen positions. 

Bury won a short due to Fall 1 (see below) and some time around their 3rd successive short they scored a worldie from a class deflection. Sadly, the class deflection, was mine. 1-0 (to the bad guys, just for you Iz).

Half time was nothing short of inspiring (Kate). Think any given sunday, coach carter, mean machine. We were ready to go.

Sadly the pressure was kept on us which resulted in Fall 3 and possibly Fall 5. The second goal was a reverse sweep into the goal. (2-0 to the bad guys, still for you Iz). I don’t think Fall 2 had anything to do with the play. 

We had our chances, somewhere around Fall 4 we had definitely entered at the knuckles, as well as having some great shorts which were only inches away. 

There was little between the two teams in my opinion, with Bury finishing their opportunities 2 times more than we did(with a little help from my stick).

A disappointing yet motivating start to the year.

Much like my resolutions this year, we try again next week. 

From now on though, New Year, New Shoes, New me! 

Fall 1: Kim Pearson - drama 6/10 as it allowed a short. danger 10/10 (a short had to be awarded as I was so slow to get up). Execution 2/10 - fairly average fall if you ask me. Flare 6/10, I’m nothing if not dramatic. Sogginess 2/10, slightly damp Astro. Overall 4/10

Fall 2: Sarah Dodds - I actually missed this one but Tim thought it was rather excellent. I’m going to go with drama 4/10(why not). Execution 5/10. Danger 0/10 as the ball was nowhere to be seen. Flare 5/10and general sogginess a 2/10 as I don’t think it was raining at that point. Overall 5/10

Fall 3: Kim Pearson (essentially not wanting to be out done ever) Defensive D, Drama 8/10 (one v one in D) Execution 8/10 a textbook banana slip. Danger 2/10(unless bury player really fancied hitting me). Flare 10/10 - stick went flying. Sogginess 4/10 (just the backside) Overall: 8/10

Fall 4: Kate Dixon - attacking D, Drama 5/10,  Execution 6/10, Danger 7/10 (plenty of opportunity to get hit by the ball). Flare 6/10.  General sogginess: 7/10. Overall: 6/10 

Fall 5: Bury Player (Twin CF) - Fall in D whilst trying to intercept/ press our transfer. Drama 6/10. Execution 7/20. Danger 0/10. Flare 7/10. Sogginess: 8/10overall: 6/10