Wigton’s Ladies Firsts were at home to Southport and after a game they dominated for long periods they eventually edged it 2-1.
The visitors had the first chance after only a couple of minutes as Lucy Atwell found some room just inside the D, but her shot went wide.
Jo Ridley then started to make her mark on the game, with good runs from Wigton’s half, causing problems for the Southport defence. Charlotte Steele added to Southport’s problems with accurate passing, freeing up Ella Todd for some strong runs at the visitors’ defence.
Despite this early Wigton pressure, Southport had a good chance on 12 minutes, when from a short corner the home keeper just managed to push the ball away after it looked to be goal bound.
On 15 minutes, after more good Wigton running, the ball was passed to Hanna Clorley in the Southport D and she made no mistake, beating the diving keeper Lucy Newnham.
There was more Wigton pressure but no added reward for their endeavours before half time.
The second half started much like the first had ended with Wigton trying to add to their lead with some good running and passing.
The Southport keeper Newnham saved them several times, while Sara Delleray and Heather Markland played well in defence for the visitors.
They started some good moves with Attwell and Caitlyn Orrell running at Wigton, forcing three short corners in quick succession. It was soon apparent that the next goal was going to be crucial.
On 26 minutes, Wigton’s Steele started a run from just inside her own half, went past three Southport defenders into the right of the visitors D and ran towards the advancing keeper Newnham.
She then deftly passed to Todd on the left post, who put the ball into the net for a 2-0 lead.
Southport weren’t finished, and they attacked trying to get back into the game in the last few minutes.
Their efforts were rewarded on 34 minutes when they were awarded a penalty flick which was converted by Kat Markland but Wigton saw it through for the win.
