[C]arlisle United Ladies Development and Keswick’s battled it out in the torrential rain and a howling cold wind at the Falcon Ground for Egremont in the Cumberland FA Women’s League Trophy in a superb advertisement for women’s football in the County. With a brave band of supporters from both clubs making the long trip down the West Coast to Egremont in terrible driving conditions for the Final, Keswick were disappointed to be 3-0 down at half time to Carlisle, despite the best efforts of an in form Angie Wray in goal.
The wind was a major factor, making corner kicks a lottery but giving the the Carlisle ladies a real advantage moving up the field in the first half. Carlisle deserved their half time lead, they played well and scored three good goals from Jess Hawkins, Bea Barber and Holly Currie. But Keswick coach Danielle Coates has assembled a battling squad, and their never say die attitude paid off as Keswick, with the wind behind them, pulled two goals back in the second half in a now end to end game.
The goals, from Kirsty Smith and a Sarah Fletcher header, put Carlisle on the back foot as Keswick pushed forwards, and Angela Wakefield fired in a screamer that hit the post. The last 5 minutes were end to end and nail biting as Keswick pushed for a draw and extra time. It wasn’t to be, and Carlisle held on with a good defensive display and a deserved, if close, 3-2 win, and a delighted captain Laura Smith picked up the Trophy to the delight of her team.
Carlisle United Ladies Development: Laura Webster, Sam Grant, Laura Smith (C), Ellie Weber, Emma Elliot, Evie Atkinson, Sophie Mason, Bea Barber, Stacey Davison, Lisa Belchem, Holly Currie, Jessi Hawkins, Katie Adams, Andrea Tate. Coach: Paul Brotherhood
Keswick AFC: Angela Wray, Leah Nelson, Sarah Fletcher, Jane Owens, Sammie Quail, Angela Wakefield, Kirsty Smith, Rachel Jones (C), Kirsten Shaw, Anna Broadbent , Kim Howitt and Carla Starauschek. Coach: Danielle Coates
Match Officials: Graham Young, Grace Law and Lucy Abbot.
