Workington Reds Ladies were unlucky to come away from Haslingden without a point after an impressive performance.
They had lost 2-0 against a team that has been at the top of the table for the majority of the season so far.
The Reds started the game superbly and really took the game to the home side with pin-point pressing and efficient passing.
This resulted in several good chances being created by the attacking quartet of Hannah Geen, Emi Rudd, Morgan McGrady and Kacey Rodgers but unfortunately none could be converted.
The experienced centre back pairing for Haslingden of Jo Dix and Charlotte Whalley proved a tough nut to crack as they repelled the spirited attacks of the visitors.
Dix in particular was in good form, so much so she was awarded Player of the Game for the home side.
In the 39th minute, and against the run of play, Haslingden went ahead when a through ball was collected by Nicole Pusey 30 yards out.
She controlled the ball, having broken the Reds back line, before slotting a well-placed shot past keeper Laura Miller.
The second half ebbed and flowed with each side taking the initiative in spells throughout.
The Reds back line of Alice Kemp, Naomi Foster, Eleanor McDonald and Hannah Fawkes were often called into action due to the threat of the home sides attacking quality.
The majority of these attacks were dealt with efficiently with only the odd one or two generating any pressure.
The midfield pairing of Sophie Douglas and Ellie Ritchie impressed with their eagerness to battle for every ball and connect with teammates when in possession.
Keeley Holliday came on to make her debut for the Ladies and she impressed in her 30 minutes of action at the end of the game.
Haslingden doubled their lead late on in the game as the visitors were pushing forward looking for an equaliser.
Liv Smith finished in style from inside the area in the last 10 minutes with a shot which gave Miller little chance of stopping.
The Ladies never gave up and very nearly got themselves on the scoresheet late on through a header from substitute Megan Yarnold after McDonald had delivered a cracking ball in from a free kick.
Club Captain Naomi Foster, was awarded Player of the Game for the Reds Ladies for her polished performance at the back.
Manager Paul Mackenzie said: “The score-line does not reflect how closely the game was fought out over the 90 minutes.
“We applied a lot of pressure to the Haslingden back line for large parts of the game and their quality at the back made it difficult for us to get the reward of a goal when we were on top.
“Naomi was a worthy recipient of the player of the game award, but in reality it could have gone to anyone due to how impressive the team performed on the day.
“As a manager I couldn’t ask for anything more from each of the 16 players whilst they were out there on the pitch.”
Team: Laura Miller, Alice Kemp, Naomi Foster, Eleanor McDonald, Hannah Fawkes, Sophie Douglas, Ellie Ritchie, Morgan McGrady, Hannah Geen, Emi Rudd, Kacey Rodgers, Sydney Bragg, Megan Yarnold, Keeley Holliday, Zara Sandelands, Sophie Nutter.
