Moss Bank Diamonds 1 vs 5 Cherrybrook Violets

On the morning of 13 September 2026, Cherrybrook Violets travelled to Bolton to face Moss Bank Diamonds in a league away match of five-a-side football, kicking off promptly at 9:00am. The Violets delivered a commanding performance, securing a 5-1 victory over their opponents in a tightly contested 40-minute match plus added time.

Cherrybrook Violets lined up in a classic 1-2-1 formation, featuring Mollie Mack as goalkeeper, Ellie Read anchoring the defence centrally, with Zoey Anderson and Lilliya Hamill operating as central midfielders, and Olivia Aspey leading the line as the sole striker. This setup demanded a solid defensive base from Ellie, while Zoey and Lilliya were expected to control the midfield, link play, and support both defence and attack. Olivia’s role was to spearhead the offensive efforts, capitalising on chances created by the midfield duo. The substitutes available for the Violets were Betty Gill, Riley Melling, and Edie Halliwell. Aria Hunter was missing from today's game with illness.

Right from the outset, Mollie Mack was alert and decisive, making an interception within the first minute to snuff out early danger. She followed this up with a remarkable point-blank reaction save just a minute later, setting the tone for her commanding presence between the sticks. Lilliya Hamill was quick to contribute defensively, making a crucial intervention in the third minute, while Mack produced a full-stretch save moments later to deny the Diamonds.

The breakthrough came swiftly for Cherrybrook Violets in the third minute when Zoey Anderson found the net, expertly assisted by Olivia Aspey. The Violets’ fluid interplay was evident as Olivia returned the favour just a minute later, scoring herself with a precise finish following a pass from Zoey. Despite the early pressure, Mollie Mack remained steadfast, diving at the feet of attackers in the fifth minute to keep the lead intact. Moss Bank thought they had scored their first goal of the game and the ball looked over the line but the referee was instructed by VAR that it was no goal and play continued with a Violets goal kick.

Lilliya Hamill pressed forward with determination, testing the opposition goalkeeper with two consecutive attempts in the sixth and seventh minutes, both of which were well saved. Mack’s composure was further demonstrated with two clean catches in quick succession, denying any Moss Bank Diamonds attempts to claw back into the game.

At the 11th minute mark, Cherrybrook made a triple substitution, bringing on Betty Gill, Riley Melling, and Edie Halliwell for Zoey Anderson, Olivia Aspey, and Lilliya Hamill respectively, injecting fresh legs into the squad. Mack continued to be a wall in goal, making another vital dive at the feet of an attacker just after the changes. Edie Halliwell was fouled in the 13th minute, showing the physical edge of the contest however the ref let play continue.

Riley Melling was lively in attack, testing the opposition keeper multiple times between the 15th and 16th minutes with shots that were either saved or narrowly wide. Ellie Read contributed defensively with a crucial clearance in the 17th minute, while Mack pulled off a full-stretch save in the 18th minute to maintain the Violets’ clean sheet.

Betty Gill’s introduction was felt immediately as she attempted a shot in the 19th minute, which was blocked by the opposition. The first half concluded at the 20-minute mark with the Violets comfortably ahead and Mollie Mack still unbreached, making a parry and Edie Halliwell executing a well-timed tackle to halt the Diamonds’ advances.

At the restart, Cherrybrook made another set of substitutions, restoring Olivia Aspey, Zoey Anderson, and Lilliya Hamill to the field in place of Ellie Read, Riley Melling, and Edie Halliwell. The match’s intensity remained high as Zoey Anderson was tripped in the 23rd minute, but again no foul was awarded to Cherrybrook.

The Violets extended their lead in the 25th minute when Zoey Anderson scored a neat tap-in, capitalising on a long pass from Betty Gill. However, Moss Bank Diamonds responded immediately with a well-struck set piece from outside the box, halving the deficit in the 26th minute. Undeterred, Lilliya Hamill restored the two-goal cushion with a solo effort in the 27th minute, weaving through the defence to find the net.

Defensively, Zoey Anderson and Betty Gill were resolute, clearing and blocking attempts to prevent any further threat. Zoey had a couple of wide attempts in the closing stages of the half, while Mack continued to command her area with clean catches in the 31st and 32nd minutes.

At the 32nd minute, the Violets made yet another triple substitution, reintroducing Olivia Aspey, Zoey Anderson, and Riley Melling, while Edie Halliwell, Ellie Read, and Lilliya Hamill made way. Edie Halliwell remained active defensively, blocking a chance in the 34th minute and making a crucial block again in the 44th minute. Mollie Mack was outstanding throughout, producing a full-stretch save and a dive at the feet in the 34th minute, and catching a cross in the 39th.

Betty Gill was also instrumental in defence, clearing and blocking multiple attempts, including a vital tackle in the 38th minute and a block that prevented a clear chance in the 39th. Edie Halliwell’s persistence paid off with a goal from the corner flag, straight from the training ground in the 36th minute, adding to the Violets’ tally.

The closing stages saw continued defensive solidity from Betty Gill and Edie Halliwell, who both made important tackles and blocks to maintain control. Riley Melling tested the opposition keeper once more in the 40th minute but was denied.

Cherrybrook Violets’ comprehensive 5-1 victory was built on a foundation of disciplined defending, clinical finishing, and a standout goalkeeping display from Mollie Mack. Lilliya Hamill’s tireless work in midfield and key contributions earned her recognition alongside Mack as players of the match. The Violets will take great confidence from this dominant performance as they continue their league campaign.