Workington Reds Ladies Vitality FA Cup run came to an end as they lost 3-0 to a well organised and efficient Ponteland team.
The game flowed equally for much of the first half with chances for both teams being speculative rather than through any dominance from either of them.
It was through some indecision after 37 minutes when the deadlock was broken. Pressure from the Ponteland attack forced an error at the back and the hosts were able to pounce and take advantage slotting the ball home from close range to leave keeper Laura Miller beaten.
The half finished with the home side having the one goal advantage but the tie wasn’t dead and all results were still possible.
The second half started in similar fashion to the way the first half had panned out and exchanges were even between both teams.
The home team was showing good composure on the ball, whereas the Reds main threat came from their desire to get back level in the game.
As the game entered the final stages, the Reds were forced to become more aggressive as they searched for a leveller. However, it was the home side that took advantage as they doubled their lead with 13 minutes left from a breakaway goal against a stretched back line.
Now buoyed by a two-goal lead and the game drawing to an end, the home side started to play with a certain level of freedom which was fuelled by the Reds desire to commit players forward in an attempt to get back into the game.
The game was put to bed with seven minutes to go when Ponteland found the back of the net for a third and final time.
Manager Paul Mackenzie said “It’s a disappointing exit from the competition for us. We weren’t at our best but the score-line didn’t fully reflect how close the game had been. Credit to Ponteland for their performance and we wish them good luck in the next round.”
Focus now turns to the League Cup on Sunday as the Ladies face Warrington Wolves at Derwent Park.
