Penrith AFC Ladies 1-0 Accrington Ladies
Youngster Jodie English, with her first senior goal, scored the only goal of the game to secure 3 vital points. This proved enough to keep Penrith above fellow strugglers Accrington in the table and so secure their place in the North West Regional Premier Division.
Penrith went into the game knowing that a draw would be good enough for safety while Accrington had to win the game to leapfrog Penrith.
In a tight nervy first half both teams struggled to create clear chances. Accrington went close when they got behind the Penrith defence but keeper Michelle Jones saved well with her feet. Penrith’s best first half effort came when Sharina Robinson’s long range free kick hit the underside of the cross bar before bouncing on the goal line.
HT 0-0
Penrith started the 2nd half with increased intent and instantly began to threaten the Accrington goal. After going close on 2 occasions the elusive breakthrough eventually came.
The influential Lily Gaulton picked the ball up deep in her own half and drove up the right wing skipping past two defenders on the way. She then picked up her head to spot Jodie English in the penalty area and found her with a measured cross. English quickly controlled the ball and slotted into the bottom corner to give Penrith the lead.
Accrington adopted a more attacking approach as they strove to get back into the game often leaving themselves short in defence. This made for an end to end final period of the game. Penrith weathered the pressure and professionally saw out the game without too many scares.
FT 1-0
Manager Simon Savage said: “Playing in a higher division has been tough this season but we have enjoyed challenge. Pending league ratification we can now begin to look forward to another season at NW Premier Division level.”
Penrith : Jones, Campbell, Alderson, Han Fawkes, McCormick, Hea Fawkes (Buchanan), Nutter (Coulthard), Robinson, English (Nelson), Hopton, Gaulton.
