
Silloth FC and RUFC stepped in at the last-minute to host Workington Reds Ladies and Haslingden Ladies in NW Regional Division One.
Haslingden emerged 2-1 winners after a very entertaining game in which the Reds Ladies had matched them most of the way.
With Borough Park unplayable after two days of rain and with less than five hours notice before kick-off, Silloth FC managed to mark and prepare the pitch and Silloth RUFC provided refreshments for both teams after the game.
Haslingdon, having dropped only eight points all season still have an eye on the title, but the Reds started the game with real positivity and were quick to test the visitors’ defence.
Having already seen a couple of chances saved, the Reds took the lead in the 12th minute. A ball crossed in from Linzi Donaldson was flicked on by Caitlin Davis for the supporting Sophie Birkett to strike home from close range.
Solid build-up play and desire saw the Ladies hold on to their 1-0 lead at half time and the scoreline was just rewards for their efforts during the first half. Having drawn at Haslingden earlier in the season the Reds were hopeful of denting their title progress again.
Haslingden came out fired up in the second half and at times their aggression spilled over into their defensive play resulting in several free kicks being awarded.
Just before the hour mark the away team levelled the game and 15 minutes later they managed to take the lead and with that the advantage.
Despite falling behind the Reds remained focused and continued to push in pursuit of an equalising goal.
Unfortunately the game ended with the away team winning what had been an evenly fought out match.
The Ladies had given a great account of themselves and at times had been more than a match for Haslingden.
Haslingden awarded their Player of the Game to the Reds centre back Linzi Donaldson.
The Ladies are back in action this weekend as they host Penrith Ladies FC at Borough Park this Sunday at 2pm in the semi final of the Women’s Cumberland County Cup.
Having won the Cup back in 2019 and with the last two seasons being impacted by the COVID pandemic, the Ladies will be looking to retain the title they gained by beating Penrith in a thrilling final.
Scoring late on to tie the game at 2-2 and force extra time, the Reds went on to claim the victory with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out.
Team manager Paul McKenzie said: “This will be the last chance to see the Ladies in action at home this season and also coincides with the club’s centenary celebrations. It would be great to see Reds supporters down at Borough Park watching and cheering the team on.”