Workington Reds Ladies were in the game for 90 minutes at Blackpool but they went down 2-0.
The match was evenly contested over the 90 minutes with only a second half penalty and a free kick in the last few minutes splitting the two teams.
Chances were shared equally between the two sides in the first have with both attacks showing real threat, but the defences of both teams stayed focused and worked hard to keep any attempt to speculative in nature.
The home team had the extremely dangerous pairing of Molly Kelly and April Oldfield in attack, both of whom pose a credible threat to any defence in the North West Women’s Regional Division One North.
In contrast the Reds Ladies back line contained Alice Kemp and Ellie Ritchie who between them have played only a handful of games between them at this level.
However, strong performances on the day from the pair and their work alongside Naomi Foster, Eleanor McDonald and Laura Miller was enough to contain the experienced Blackpool attack.
Morgan McGrady lead the attack and her pace and keenness to threaten the home sides back line was unsettling all afternoon. She was well supported out wide by Emi Rudd and Laura Ivison who were keen to look to link and support forward raids.
Honest hard work and desire was in abundance in the middle of the park as Chloe Henderson, Sophie Douglas and Megan Yarnold set a solid foundation for others to build on.
Blackpool took the lead in the 57th minute when Kelly went down in the box and the referee ref pointed to the spot. Oldfield stepped up to score past Miller.
As the game grew, Linzi Donaldson, Hannah Geen, Sydney Bragg and Zara Sandelands were introduced into the action and all contributed to maintain the pressure on the home side.
However, their lead was doubled inside the final minutes of the game when a free kick was awarded on the edge of the area. Kelly and Oldfield combined again as the ball was fed down the outside of the wall for Oldfield to convert a well worked opening from close range.
Manager Paul Mackenzie said: “We’ve travelled to Blackpool and given a great account of ourselves against a team that is expected to be challenging for the title come May next year.
“To limit the attacking chances of a team like Blackpool for the majority of the 90 minutes in their own back yard is an indication of our development and progress.
“We conceded 13 goals against this team last year and for the game to be settled by two dead ball situations, albeit frustrating, does show the value it the positive steps we are taking.”
Naomi Foster was Player of the Game for the Reds Ladies for her solid defensive performance over the 90 minutes.
