Workington Town Women Reserves team capped off a sensational first season in existence by emphatically beating Morecambe Reserves 7-1 and in doing so, securing the Lancashire County Women’s League Division One North title.
Netherhall Rugby Union club was the perfect setting for this monumental achievement. The Reserves have called Netherhall their home this season after establishing a respectful working relationship with the rugby club’s committee and hopes are high that this arrangement will continue in the coming seasons.
The game was a must-win game for the Reserves in their ambitions to be crowned champions and overtake Abbeytown at the top of the table.
Any early nerves were soon settled when Kiera Clark put the hosts ahead in the 18th minute after a through ball from Layney Nicholson on the halfway line put the Striker in behind the Morecambe defence.
Clark met the through ball and finished in style, lifting the ball over the keeper and into the goal with a first time strike from the edge of the area.
Ten minutes later and their lead was doubled by Rachel Gallagher, settling nerves further. In a similar fashion to the first goal, a ball in behind from Leah Harrison released Gallagher who adjusted to set herself before slotting past the Morecambe keeper.
Gallagher scored the third goal 10 minutes before halftime after latching on to a raking diagonal pass from Jess McGlynn. Gallagher drove at the oncoming keeper before slotting past with great control.
Less than five minutes had lapsed when their lead was extended to four goals. Gallagher had pounced on a Morecambe goal kick and quickly squared to find Stacy Eland centrally, who finished sharply with a first time strike.
The half finished with Town in a commanding position, but focus remained as the job was only half complete.
With 10 minutes of the second half gone, Gallagher completed her hat trick after picking up another through ball from Harrison. The striker carried with purpose before finishing calmly across the keeper to find the far corner.
Morecambe pulled a goal back with a precise lofted strike from the edge of the area, leaving Town’s keeper, Lilia Bew little chance of stopping.
Soon after, the five goal cushion was restored when Sophie Birkett played Gallagher in behind again. Again the keeper was drawn out before slotting past to register her fourth goal of the afternoon.
The goal scoring was finished off in the 73rd minute by Clark from a tight angle on the right. Gallagher had played Clark in to space before a well taken strike across the keeper found the opposite corner of the goal.
The result cemented their place at the top of the table and secured the first piece of silverware for the team in their first season and for the club under their branding as Workington Town Women FC.
After the game, Reserve team manager Nigel Thornthwaite said: “I’m delighted for everyone associated with the team, winning this title is reward for all of our hard work and dedication over the past 12 months.
“I think we’ve saved our best performance of the season for today’s game and to see the lasses get over the line in convincing style, really depicts the quality of the journey we’ve taken.
“Many thanks to everyone that has backed us financially, those that have supported us on the sidelines and those that have been actively engaged with the team over the past 12 months.”
Interim chairman and first team manager Paul Mackenzie added: “On behalf of everyone at the club, I would like to congratulate everyone associated with the Reserves team’s success this season. This is a huge story of success for them and for the club and its ambitions going forward.
“A little over 12 months ago, many of these players didn’t know where their footballing future would be, or if at all they would have one.
“This success is absolute reward for the belief and desire they have shown and the commitment they have given.”
