Workington Reds Ladies succumbed to the enthusiastic efforts of Mancunian Unity as the visitors claimed a four goal victory.
Unity arrived at the Fibrus Community Stadium earlier than they had expected for after travelling from North Manchester and this theme continued as they went ahead as early as the second minute.
A strike from distance was parried by Reds keeper Laura Miller, and the lively Unity captain, Jess Bamber, was first to react. Bamber sharply closed in on goal and slotted the visitors ahead.
Miller soon after made amends for her earlier uncharacteristic mistake, by pulling off a brace of solid saves which served to keep the Reds in the game at that point.
Sadly, three goals in a 10-minute spell starting in the 38th minute, served to kill off the home side’s ambitious.
The first came after Unity’s player of the game, Celeste Gordan, attacked down the right before crossing to find Kaitland Harter who finished with precision.
Five minutes later, Bamber scored her second as she capitalised on a through ball and slotted past Miller.
The third came in only the second minute of the second half starting. Gordon was played through on the right and her constant threat on the Reds back line was rewarded as she cut in on goal and fired home.
The Reds weren’t without their own chances, but sadly efforts were generally forced due to the relentless pressure of the visitors over the 90.
A free kick for the home side in the edge of the area, produced what was probably the home side closest chance to getting on the score sheet.
Megan Hay had been brazenly pulled back by the Unity right back as she looked to have broken the visitors back line.
The ensuing fracas resulted in the pair being shown yellow cards and a second Unity defender was lucky to at least not been given the same after her involvement.
Helen Wagstaff stepped up the take the free kick from the edge of the area. She delivered a threaded pass through the melee of players, only for the ball to narrowly pass the outside of the upright, agonisingly passing the onrushing home attackers.
The result means that the visitors unblemished league record remains intact and strengthened their credible claims of being crowned champions come the end of the season.
Morgan MaGrady was awarded the Player of the Game vote from the Unity coaches with Celeste Gordon taking the accolades for the visitors.
Match-day Sponsors Cloud Competitions, awarded their vote to home left back Natalie Hooper.
After the game, manager Paul Mackenzie said: “We were a bit disappointed with regard to our inability to deliver some of our aims for the game.
“We had looked at their strengths and tried to plan to combat them and generate pressure of our own but sadly we were unable to. Fair play to Unity, they are a very good team and play quality football.”
The Ladies start their run in to the Christmas break with a visit to Preston North End this weekend, followed by a home game against Fleetwood Town Wrens Reserves at the Fibrus on December 10.
This will be the last chance to see the Reds Ladies in action at home in 2023, and they would appreciate as much support as possible.
