Penrith AFC Ladies got an insight into just how tough football in the North West Women’s Premier Division can be as Stockport County gave them the runaround.
Penrith started the game cautiously respecting Stockport’s 100% league record so far this season. Penrith soaked up the early pressure well enough and were restricting Stockport to long range efforts. Penrith themselves were looking lively on the counter attack and against the run of play took the lead in te 18th min when Becca Buchanan outpaced the Stockport defence and from the angle curled the ball into the top corner.
Penrith continued to defend well but the pressure was growing and Stockport eventually equalised in the 26th min when a long range effort sailed over Michelle Jones into the net. Soon afterwards Stockport were awarded a penalty and took the lead. Penrith seemed to be on the verge of holding the scoreline to 2-1 at half time however they frustratingly conceded 2 very sloppy goals just before the break.
HT 4-1
Into the 2nd half Stockport produced an opening spell of 10 minutes when the quality of football was exceptional. They scored 3 superb goals in that time and Penrith seemed powerless to stop them.
Penrith, to their credit continued to work hard and battle to the end but in truth they were well beaten by a very good team.
FT 10-1
Manager Simon Savage said “We will have days like this from time to time playing at this level. We will take the positives where we can and learn from the mistakes we have made. We will grow stronger for the experience.”
This Sunday Penrith AFC Ladies welcome Manchester Stingers to Frenchfield’s Park as they look to bounce back. Penrith expect to several key players returning to the squad following injuries and work commitments.
Penrith: Jones, Johnston, Han Fawkes, Smith, Smethurst, Hopton, Hea Fawkes, Coulthard, Buchanan, Campbell(Glendinning), Nutter.
