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Double Winners Celebrate end season with International Friendly and Presentation Night

Double Winners Celebrate end season with International Friendly and Presentation NightAfter a highly successful season that saw our Women’s Team winning the County Cup and League Cup whilst finishing runners up in the league, it was fitting that this should be celebrated on the main pitch following a post season International Friendly against GB Police Ladies on 20th May.

The GB Police side drawing players from Police Forces in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and boasting some Women’s Premier League Players in their ranks were at the beginning of their Police Euro 2020 campaign and saw a visit to Manchester to play ourselves and Manchester City’s Academy side over the weekend as ideal preparation for the pending Euro qualifiers.

A week earlier, Rebecca Welch had refereed the Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembly where Manchester City defeated Birmingham City 4-0 to complete a double of their own. Rebecca kindly agreed to ref our game against GB Police Ladies at Broadhurst Park and in a last minute flurry of pre kick off activity, appointed our own John Hampson to run one of the lines; being an official short on the day.

Despite good humored stick from the main stand, John did a great job, the game was on and it was over to Dan to introduce both sides onto the pitch.

The whole game was a very evenly matched, close affair with Allisha Marsh, Kirsty Chambers and Jess Battle going close for the reds in a goalless first half whilst Sarah Danby went closest for the visitors.

Luke wanted to give all the squad an opportunity to play in the game and made wholesale changes for the second half. From the restart United were on the front foot with Jesses McCarrick and Battle combining well to release Chloe Wild who fired just wide.

On 49 minutes the breakthrough was realised as Amy Vyas floated a delightful pass over the back peddling Police defence for Shellby Wolstencroft to control well and craft the opening goal.

The Police responded superbly equalising through Sophie Perry just before the hour and scoring the winner on 72 minutes with a close range header from the skilful Alison Smith. United pressed for a deserved equaliser with Wild and Wolstencroft both going close but to no avail and the game ended in a 2-1 victory for the Police whom we thank for visiting us and wish every success in qualifying for the 2020 Police Euros.

To round things off in style for 2016/17, the Women’s Team Presentation Night was held at Broadhurst Park last Sunday and a great evening was enjoyed by all those able to attend. The role of honour for this season’s awards is as follows:

Main Awards:
The Frankland Cup – awarded for Leadership & Potential in the Women’s Game – Fran Davies
(Previous recipients – Adora Yau 14/15 & Leah Hartshorne 15/16)

Manager’s Player of the Season – Chloe Wild
Player’s Player of the Season – Fran Davies
Goal of the Season – Kirsty Chambers – Stunning 5th Goal in the County Cup Final

Supporters Awards:
Newton Heath Branch, Player of the Season – Fran Davies – (played every minute of every game)
Trafford Branch, Player of the Season – Chloe Wild – (boundless energy, and some great goals)
East M/cr Branch, Player of the Season – Beth Tattersall – (great comeback season following injury)
Supporter’s Player of the Season – Beth Tattersall – (voted for by regular match goers)
Supporter’s Young Player of the Season – Allisha Marsh – (voted for by regular match goers)
FCUM Radio award – Unsung Hero – Jess McCarrick – (skilful, calm, assured all over the pitch)
Supporters Awards also recognised Kirsty Chambers & Shellby Wolstencroft for achieving the landmark 100 goals for FC’s Women, both in less than 100 appearances – a great achievement at any level.
Captain and Vice Captain, Kirsty Chambers and Chelsea Patient respectively, also presented a raft of serious and semi serious awards to their team mates.

Huge thanks to everyone who made the presentation night a success and everyone able to support the event. Thanks for all those who have supported the growth and development of the Women’s game at our fantastic club over the past 5 seasons and here’s to another successful season in 2017/18 which kicks off in pre season away to Crewe Alexandra on 9th July; 2pm KO.

Report by Rob Fullen



First Posted ~ 15:04 Tue 30 May 2017
News ID ~ 7474
Last Updated ~ 16:00 Fri 19 Feb 2021