Last weekend Isle of Man Water polo coach Carrie Jackson, playing for City of Liverpool, faced UK National Champions Sheffield in the final of the ASA knockout Cup at Manchester Aquatic Centre.
Sheffield have remained unbeaten in the past 2 years and went into the match as hot favourites. During the first half of the game Sheffield moved into a 3-0 lead, as Liverpool's central attacker was pressurised heavily and unable to convert opportunities. Liverpool were able to open their score nearing half time with a well worked goal from GB veteran Joanne Dacre making the score 3-1. Sheffield replied quickly with a fast break making a scoreline of 4-1 at half time. Liverpool’s chances of success were looking slim. Moving into the second half the opportunities that in the first half had been elusive started to convert. From man up play Liverpool scored 2 goals bringing the score to 3-4 going into the final quarter of play. A superb shot into the top corner by Helen Dacre flew past GB keeper Ruth Horney by a narrow margin but drew the scores level at full time. This meant two 3 minute halves of extra time to be played before a penalty shoot out would be the deciding factor.
Liverpool took the lead for the first time with a fantastic powered shot from Siobhan Winter. Sheffield countered with an equaliser leaving the score tantalising at 5 all with just 3 minutes to play.
To the delight of the Liverpool supporters they scored to pull ahead 6-5 with just 40 seconds left on the clock. Sheffield were left with time for one attack but Liverpool stole the ball, put a long pass into Hannah Wilde who made no mistake in scoring with 2 seconds to go. This wrapped up the UK cup finals for Liverpool a 7-5 victory. This means that they now qualify for the European knockout competition. The draw will take place in September for the first round. The draw possibilities are to play in Russia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Holland, Germany, France, Spain, Greece or Italy. Both the Italians and Greeks play water polo professionally either of whom to have as opponents would prove a very interesting prospect.
