[P]enrith travelled to face Leigh without leading scorer Nat Broad who was unwell. They knew that early pace setters Leigh would be a stern test and wondered where their goals may come from.
Penrith lined up with an inexperienced strike force with 16 year olds Olivia Johnston and Georgia Campbell joining 18 year old Sarah Smith in the front line.
On a perfect playing surface at Leigh, Penrith were straight into their stride and were confidently passing the ball from player to player. Time and again they breached the Leigh defensive line and were creating a host of chances however they were lacking the composure to turn the chances into goals.
Penrith eventually took a deserved lead on 22 mins when Hannah Coulthard exquisitely curled a free kick into the top corner from 25 yards.
Penrith continued to create chances however a 2nd goal remained elusive. On the stroke of half time Penrith again prospered from a set piece when Coulthard headed home a Paige Williams corner.
HT 0-2
Into the 2nd half Leigh came back at Penrith strongly and were playing with increased intensity and aggression. Penrith were pushed back and their defence stretched at times.
Having weathered the Leigh pressure Penrith made the game safe with a third goal that also rounded off Coulthard’s hat trick when she reacted quickly to a loose ball in the Leigh area.
Now Penrith started to enjoy the game and pulled away with late goals from Livvy Johnston and Heather Fawkes.
FT 0-5
This Sunday Penrith welcome Morecambe Reserves to Frenchfields ko 2pm
Penrith : Jones, J.Williams, Nutter, C,Smith(Fawkes), McCormick, Hopton, P.Williams, Coulthard, S.Smith, Johnston, Campbell.
