Workington Reds Ladies claimed their second league victory of the season at Derwent Park on a beautiful late autumnal Remembrance Sunday afternoon.
In doing so they leap-frogged the day’s visitors Chorley Women FC Development in the North West Women’s Regional League One standings.
As has now become customary, the main event followed a curtain raiser game.
This time it was two teams from Allerdale Girls FC and Whitehaven AFC Under-8s age group that provided the entertainment both on and off the field of play.
Having firstly showcased their skills and enthusiasm for football in their friendly game they then gave their enthusiastic support to the Reds Ladies in their game. The days player mascots were Seaton Boys FC Under 6s, coached by ex-Reds Ladies Megan Hay.
Captain Naomi Foster said afterwards: “We could all hear the support from the youngsters that were watching the game and they were awesome. It’s really important that we thank them for spurring us on and for their help in us securing the win.”
The Ladies started the game well and soon started to threaten the Chorley defence through good play from the attacking quartet of Sophie Birkett, Hannah Geen, Emi Rudd and Morgan McGrady.
After some strong work in the middle of the park and with the game only 11 minutes old, the home side went ahead. McGrady collected on the left hand side of the 18 yard area and turned the Chorley defence inside out with quick feet and good control.
She then shifted the ball to her right to open up the goal and released a shot at goal.
The shot was spilled by the Chorley keeper Mollie Finch, but fortunately for the Reds, Sophie Birkett had followed up the strike from the right and was on hand to take advantage and find the back of the net.
Seven minutes later the Reds looked to have doubled their lead as they found the net for a second time.
A dangerous cross was delivered into the box from a left wing corner by Eleanor McDonald.
Birkett appeared to have fairly challenged Finch for the ball which went loose and Geen found the back of the net. However, Birkett’s challenge was adjudged to have been a foul and the goal was disallowed.
McDonald and Birkett nearly combined again later when a free kick from McDonald was fed towards the attacking Birkett bearing down on the cross, but fuelled by a brisk tailwind, the ball drifted out of play.
Chloe Henderson and Ellie Ritchie were in the middle of the park for the home side and their workload fluctuated between aggressive defensive blocks and attacking links with the front four and this saw them dominate the middle especially as the game progressed.
The half finished with the ladies still one goal up but facing the prospect of playing into a brisk wind in the second half.
Determined to keep the ball on the floor and play football, the Ladies dominated possession for the majority of the second half.
Football being played simply and with regular switching of play kept Chorley occupied for large periods. Chances were kept to attempts from distance through the efforts of a resilient Chorley defensive unit.
Chorley still posed a threat to the fragility of the 1-0 advantage and the Reds back four of McDonald, Foster, Alice Kemp and Natalie Hooper had to remain alert at all times.
The solidity of the back four was cemented by the superb way goalkeeper Laura Miller commanded her area dealing with the high balls being pumped forward.
She was also alert to the dangers of anything played quickly over the top and was always keen to leave her line to snub out any threats.
Substitutions were made during the second half with Linzi Donaldson, Kacey Rodgers, Megan Yarnold, Hannah Fawkes and Zara Sandelands all being introduced in to the action and all of whom contributed to a strong team performance.
Hannah Geen was awarded Player of the Game for the Reds Ladies after a superb display of attacking, creative and committed football.
