Workington Reds Ladies bagged their first three points of the season after a keenly fought midweek derby saw them beat Carlisle United Ladies 2-0.
Carlisle started the game off with gusto and an intention to force the play deep in to the Reds half. Having absorbed this early pressure, the home side soon found their rhythm and in turn controlled play for the majority of the first half.
This composure was rewarded in the 13th minute when Bea Barber put the Reds ahead with a clinical finish from 20 yards out. A loose ball had been fed forward from Emi Rudd which Barber collected and controlled before beating the Carlisle keeper to find the bottom right corner.
The Reds now had momentum as they looked to build on their lead. The first of three potential penalty claims for the home side was turned down after a strike had found the arm on the Carlisle defender.
Keen running by Morgan McGrady saw her collect the ball on the left, but unfortunately her tight angled finish could only find the side netting.
The Reds eventually got the rewards for their dominance just before the stroke of half time. Keen pressing on the Carlisle back line by McGrady, Barber and Bennett forced a mistake and McGrady was first to the loose ball.
The winger was alert to find Bennett on the edge of the 18 yard area. Bennett turned the defenders inside then switched to the outside before hitting an unstoppable strike into the far top corner.
Barber and Bennett linked early in the second half. Barber’s strike on goal found the hand of a visiting defender in the area for a second time in the game but this claim was also turned down.
The third unsuccessful claim for a penalty came soon after when keen running from Bennett created an opening inside the area. Bennett struck for goal only for it to find the arm of a Carlisle defender again.
The spilled ball fell to the feet of Hannah Ridgewell 30 yards out. Ridgewell looked to find the top corner and was unfortunate to see her attempt sail agonisingly over the crossbar.
Carlisle fought to get back in to the game and home keeper, Laura Miller, was forced into action twice late on in the game.
The first came from a free kick from the left which forced Miller into a fingertip save to push the ball over the bar.
The second followed a corner from the right that which found a Carlisle attacker just outside the edge of the area. Her attempt on goal passed a congested area and found Miller diving to the left to push the ball away to safety.
This was the final notable act of the game and was the home side record their first clean sheet and first win of the season.
Liv Bennett picked up both the opponents’ Player of the Game vote as well as being recognised by the Match Day sponsors, Tony Marks Main Street.
Team:
Miller, Birkett, Foster, McDonald, Hooper, Wagstaff, Holliday, Bennett, Rudd, McGrady, Barber.
Subs: Geen, Nutter, Ridgewell, Campbell, Kemp.
The Ladies are on the road this weekend as they travel to face Bolton Wanderers Ladies FC. Their next home fixture will be on the 10th September against Morecambe Ladies FC at the Fibrus Community Stadium.
