There was a harsh scoreline for Workington Reds Ladies when they lost 5-1 at home to Penrith Ladies as it failed to give credit to the side’s improvements.
It was the third coming together between the two sides over the month of October with the visitors chalking up victories in each encounter.
The scoreline suggests a rather one sided game, but in reality and with regards to the quality of football played, it would be fair to say that either team dominated a half each.
The Reds were pleased to welcome back Holly Redmond in to action after 12 months on the sidelines through injury.
Efficient play and good link ups in the first half saw the home team enjoying the majority of possession as they protected the ball well and passed with a purpose.
This dominance eventually paid off in the 31st minute, when Bea Barber deservedly nudged the Reds ahead. Having collected the ball inside the centre circle, Barber drove at the Penrith back line and weaved her way through on to goal before her clinical finish to find the back of the net.
Going a goal behind seemed to have rattled the visitors and they fought back as the half was ending to score twice before the break and take a somewhat flattering lead in to the changing room at half time.
Their first was a scrambled finish from close range with Sarah Smith arriving at the back post and taking maximum of her opportunity.
The second was a clinical snap shot finish from Stacey Harkness-Grant 18 yards out which left Laura Miller helpless in the Reds nets.
The second half started with a relatively level contest for the first 15 minutes, but Penrith started to find their groove and just after the hour mark their pressure paid off.
A ball from their right found Smith lurking with intent for the second time in the game and her eagerness paid off as she increased their lead to 3-1.
This was followed soon after by a lobbed shot from Abbie Forster from the left which looped over Miller and found the back of the net.
Workington’s disappointment was increased as the game entered the final 10 minutes after Miller had initially saved well. Jodie English was quick to react as she rounded Miller and fired home past the covering defence of Sophie Birkett.
The final action of the game saw Rowan Williams and Barber linking well in the visitors’ 18 yard area. Barber’s fierce strike forced Hope Lawson in to action and her reflex save saw the ball pushed to safety.
Laura Miller was awarded the Player of the Game by Penrith, with Kayleigh Wharton receiving the same recognition for Penrith.
After the game Manager Paul Mackenzie said, “We ticked boxes today, especially in the first half, but the level in the first half has to be there for 90 minutes.
“One massive positive today, was to see Holly back in action for the team. She’s had a tough 12-month spell out and at times questioned if she’d ever play again. So to see her starting today was a big boost to everyone at the club.”
Team: Laura Miller, Naomi Foster (captain), Eleanor McDonald, Holly Redmond, Helen Wagstaff, Chloe Henderson, Bea Barber, Liv Bennett, Hayley Bracken, Morgan McGrady, Alice Kemp, Linzi Donaldson, Keeley Holliday, Hannah Geen.
