On 7th November Hopwood Hall College Women’s Academy returned after the half term break and hosted a great friendly match against Oldham Athletic Women. Allowing the women’s team to test their strategies, strengthen their on-field chemistry, and allow all the women to gain some more experience ahead of the remainder of the competitive season.
Oldham Athletic Women started off strong and fierce, but PSG Academy Hopwood Hall matched that with determination, setting a quick pace from kick off. By halftime, the score was tied, 0-0, with each team showing fight and with no sign of giving up.
Several strategic substitutions were made throughout, allowing more players to step into different roles and having to adapt to various on-field situations.
The defensive lineup showed excellent teamwork, skilfully communicating and organisation to push Oldham Athletic into long-distance, less threatening attempts on goal. In the second half, Oldham Athletic managed to break through with a goal, pulling ahead 1-0. But PSG Academy Hopwood Hall responded quickly resulting in a fantastic goal from Ruby to make it 1-1. All attacking players displayed resilience for the remainder of the match, challenging the defensive players and creating several close scoring opportunities.
Player of the Match was awarded to Mel for her outstanding defensive skills—a well-deserved first for the season. Congratulations to Mel and the entire team on a fantastic game!
PSG Academy UK General Manager, Becki Turner commented: ‘It was a pleasure attending the women’s first home game of the season. The ladies showed a huge amount of respect for PSG Academy UK and Hopwood Hall College both on and off the pitch. The result reflects a tough, well played game against a team of similar ability. Every single player on the squad showed grit and determination from start to finish. It is lovely to see all the new students on the program and I hope to see the program continue to grow.’
Coach James Gregory: ‘A really competitive encounter between two evenly matched teams. Overall a really good battling performance against a very competitive opponent.’
We look forward to more standout performances as the season continues.
Click here to find out more about joining the PSG Academy at Hopwood Hall College.