A devastating seven-minute spell which started 15 minutes into the second half shattered a depleted Workington Reds Ladies on their travels to Penwortham Town Ladies.
With only 12 players available to travel on the day, the Ladies could ill-afford any further disruption to their playing squad, but within five minutes of the game starting that’s exactly what happened.
Sophie Birkett picked up a strain during the warm-up which was enough to rule her out for the game.
Despite this huge setback, the Ladies gave a good account of themselves for all but seven minutes of the game when Penwortham pounced efficiently to convert a penalty and capitalise on a series of half chances.
The visitors had poked their noses in front midway through the first half when good pressing on the home back line saw the ball spill to Morgan McGrady 20 yards out on the left. McGrady shifted and got her shot away, beating the keeper and finding the back of the net.
The Ladies failed to make the best use of the strong wind that was in their favour in the first half and it finished with the Reds holding a slender goal advantage.
Early exchanges in the second have were shared equally up to the hour mark when Penwortham were awarded a penalty for a hand ball in the area. The resulting spot kick found the bottom left corner whilst Reds keeper Laura Miller had gambled on right.
A blow to the Reds no doubt, but what happened in the next 7 minutes had the visitors dreams of points on the road shattered.
Two goals from half chances on the edge of the area and a cross to the back post all found the back of the net and these hammer blows took the game away from the Reds.
With 25 minutes to go and after 4 quick fire goals, the visitors could have imploded, but in testament to their character they fought to the final whistle and even managed to create a couple of good chances as the game grew to an end.
Morgan McGrady was awarded Player of the Game for the Reds as she continues on her run of good form for the club.
Team: Laura Miller, Sydney Bragg, Naomi Foster, Alice Kemp, Leah Cottier, Hannah Ridgewell, Sophie Douglas, EMI Rudd, Liv Bennett, Morgan McGrady, Kacey Rodgers, Sophie Birkett.
