Despite a strong second-half performance Workington Reds Ladies suffered their second defeat of the season against Penrith at Derwent Park losing 2-1.
The visitors started off strongly and settled into the game quickly. The eagerness shown in the early exchanges of the game helped to set the tone and enabled Penrith to establish a platform to build from, albeit without any real telling reward.
That was until the 20th minute when the were awarded a free kick from 25 yards out. Centre back Kim McCormick delivered a telling ball in to the area which was tipped on to the bar by Reds keeper, Laura Miller.
The rebound fell into a crowded six yard area where Heather Fawkes was the quickest to react and find the back of the net to put the visitors ahead.
Helen Wagstaff was introduced into the action for the Reds with just over 10 minutes of the half remaining and she made an immediate impact.
Assertive play and telling passes from Wagstaff initiated a change in the dynamics of the game and the balance started to shift, and the half ended with the Reds trailing but the momentum of the game was starting to change.
Having regrouped during the interval, the Ladies returned with more focus and direction and were looking to at least re-establish parity in the game.
A youthful attacking quartet of Liv Bennett, Sophie Douglas, Morgan McGrady and Emi Rudd, led the charges for the Ladies and their energy, backed by the experience of those positioned behind them, started to build periods of positive pressure.
Attacking support out wide came from Sophie Birkett and Natalie Hooper, while central solidity was afforded through Chloe Henderson, Alice Kemp, Naomi Foster and Wagstaff.
Bennett’s willingness to press and close as she led the line was impressive and within 10 minutes of the half restarting the Ladies were rewarded for her efforts.
As Penrith were looking to play out from the back, Bennett closed and her pressure forced a mistake by way of an under hit back pass.
Douglas sensed the opportunity and broke from midfield with purpose, collecting possession on the edge of the area before rounding the keeper, Hope Lawson and then calmly slotting home for her first goal for the club.
The Reds were on top at this stage and could have taken the lead with chances falling to Bennett, McGrady and Rudd, but unfortunately the telling finish evaded them all.
Play was halted after Hannah Coulthard went down with what looked to be a serious injury. This break in play seemed to take the wind out of the Reds’ sails as the visitors rallied.
Substitute Linzi Donaldson had to scramble back to make a goal line clearance after Penrith had broken the Reds back line.
As the game entered its latter stages, Penrith were again awarded a free kick 30 yards out. McCormick delivered quality in to the box again and this time Stacey Harkness-Grant was the first to react and found the back of the net from point blank range.
As the game entered its final stages, it was clear that both teams had given their all in a game that had seen either side dominate different passages of play.
The only other action of note before the game ended, saw Hannah Ridgewell being carried from the field of play with what has since been diagnosed as a ruptured Achilles tendon. Kacey Rodgers had earlier only managed 20 minutes of play before she was substituted.
Helen Wagstaff was awarded Player of the Game while Morgan McGrady received the same accolade off both of the day’s match day sponsors.
After the game, Reds manager Paul Mackenzie said: “Its been the story of our season, injury after injury after injury. Kacey and Hannah have both found some great form over the last six games and they have been building with each week that passes.
“Hannah will be out for quite a while and we are not certain what the problem is with Kacey, but unfortunately for us and her its looking like her season is over too. On behalf of the club I’d like to wish all three players a full and speedy recovery.
“We are obviously disappointed that we couldn’t get any points out of the game. The team responded from a disappointing performance in the first have and we looked a lot more purposeful in the second.
“On a positive note, it was great to see Sophie Douglas getting her first goal for the club and I know how much it meant to her. If goals were given out for effort alone she’d be on the scoresheet every week.
“We have one game left to play this season against Bolton on Sunday. The season has been tough, really tough, but I honestly believe what we have been through this season and the unity the squad has shown, will harden us as a squad and will stand us in great strength in the seasons that follow.
“It would be great to see Derwent Park full on Sunday in our last game.
“We have entertainment on at the ground after the game and we’d love to see people down and joining us as we celebrate what has been an excellent season for the club when you take an overarching view of what’s been achieved.”
