Workington Reds Ladies finish the season off unbeaten in their last eight outings when they won 4-2 at Preston North End Ladies.
The Reds Ladies have been in impressive form over the second half of the season and this was great way to end the campaign with the win over Preston North End.
The home side started off well and passed the ball about with real purpose and intent. However, it was Helen Wagstaff who started the scoring off in the 11th minute with a cracking strike from nearly 30 yards out.
Morgan McGrady had driven purposefully down the right before crossing in to the box. The danger was only half cleared before Bea Barber gained control and linked with Wagstaff.
She shifted and settled before opening her account with a well-placed drive which beat the keeper, Justine Elliott.
Maddie Hadley drew the home side level after good work from Alicia Scott down their right.
Hayley Bracken followed in similar fashion to Wagstaff in the 25th minute with another strike from range.
Natalie Hooper had taken control of the ball and found Bracken supporting. She let the ball run past before releasing a powerful strike to beat Elliott into the top left corner.
The standard of play from both sides was impressive and both teams were forced to fight throughout and the half-time whistle gave some respite after high octane first half.
The Ladies increased their lead shortly after the restart and from a corner on the right delivered by Donaldson.
Her delivery was half-cleared by the home defenders but Barber headed back into the box to retain the pressure. The ball eventually found Barber for a second time and this time she seized the opportunity and volleyed home through a densely packed goal mouth.
McGrady had shown great form on the day, both in and out of possession. This was rewarded in the 67th minute when both of these elements combined when she intercepted on the half-way line.
She carried with intent as she closed in on the home defence before striking for goal from 25 yards out.
The Lillywhites pulled a goal back late on through Scott from close range with ten minutes remaining. They continued to apply pressure for the remaining minutes of the game, but the Reds back line stood firm and were more than a match for their advances.
Morgan McGrady was selected as player of the game for the Reds after showing superb energy levels and high quality throughout the game.
On the recent form, Manager Paul Mackenzie said: “The squad has shown a great level of desire and commitment over the second half of the season and their reward has been reflected in the stats that they have generated.
“We’ve conceded only eight goals in our last 11 league games stretching back to the beginning of December and kept a clean sheet in seven of those games. We’ve looked sharper up front and have scored 25 goals over the same period.
“Preston are a very good team, but we were better than them in all areas on Sunday and were worthy winners on the day.
“I’d like to thank all of the players and coaches for their efforts over the season. The effort being put in is paying off and we have made some big strides forward over the season.”
Team: Laura Miller, Sophie Birkett, Naomi Foster, Holly Redmond, Lauren Campbell, Helen Wagstaff, Hannah Ridgewell, Bea Barber, Hayley Bracken, Morgan McGrady, Natalie Hooper, Linzi Donaldson.
