Reds go marching on

Ulverston’s task was made doubly difficult when they arrived in Cottam with only 10 players, and eventually their numbers were reduced to just eight.

The Reds had decided to adopt a new more attacking formation, which included Lindsay Thornhill playing in midfield and young Kathryn Watson in defence.

Garstang showed their passing quality early on and Fran Summers was driving in hard and threatening to score, when the young Ulverston goalkeeper collided with her.

Summers was forced off the pitch with a very painful looking elbow injury, which required treatment.

Five minutes in, Rebecca Worthington’s pass unfortunately struck an Ulverston player in the mouth.

After a long delay, the injured player was driven to hospital by one of her own players, which subsequently reduced Ulverston to eight players.

This totally ruined the game as a spectacle, with Ulverston restricted to their own defensive third.

Summers came back on and shortly after forced a good save from the Ulverston keeper.

Worthington then struck two goals in quick succession, but Garstang were then denied on several occasions by some excellent goalkeeping.

The Reds kept taking the ball to the backline, but failed to pass it back to the penalty spot, making life easier for the Ulverston defence.

Then a strong shot was stopped by an Ulverston foot and from the resulting penalty flick, Josie Rice put it away neatly to make the score 3-0. Ulverston made a few breaks but they were well contained by Garstang, including some neat defensive play by Kathryn Watson.

Garstang threatened to overwhelm Ulverston and only solid displays by two visiting defenders and the keeper stood between Garstang and a cricket score.

The Reds managed to make it 4-0 shortly before half-time, when a melee led to Jen Moss sweeping the ball home.

In the second half, Garstang pressed hard and at a penalty corner a great move between Lyndsey Hayes, Moss and Josie Rice led to Worthington rounding the keeper for goal number five.

Minutes later, Worthington scored her fourth of the match with a fine finish to make it 6-0.

Rice then produced a neat finish to make it 7-0.

And Christie Martin added the eighth and final goal.

Rice said: “While I admire Ulverston’s determined defending, it is unacceptable for an under-strength team to participate at this level.

“The young Ulverston goalkeeper deserves huge credit for her efforts.”

Martin was voted player of the match.

Next week, Garstang play second-from-bottom Wigan, who have already conceded 126 goals this season.

Garstang Ladies 2nds did not have a game at the weekend but they are due to host Lancaster and Morecambe ladies 2nds on Saturday.

The 2nds are currently fifth in the Lancashire Central Women’s Hockey League Division One table with four games left to play.