Workington Town Women’s search for a return to winning ways was extended on Sunday afternoon.
A late Accrington strike in the dying minutes of the game resulted in the spoils being shared at 3-3.
Town were hoping to bounce back after a below par performance against Blackpool two weeks earlier, and were boosted by their newly appointed captain Kirsten Donald taking charge of on field proceedings.
This energy meant the home side had the better of the first half and put together some clean and crisp passages of play, which tested the visiting back line.
The main disappointment of the half came early on, when Chloe Little was forced to leave the field after picking up a nasty-looking knee injury with only a little over 10 minutes played.
Leila Branthwaite was given her first full home start for the home side, and celebrated in style by opening her goal scoring account in the 24th minute.
She went on to claim the Player of the Game award as well.
Bea Barber had applied telling goal mouth pressure as the Stanley defence attempted to clear their lines.
Their resulting clearance found Sarah Smith who was quick to find Hayley Bracken on the left.
Bracken shifted to the right before delivering a threatening cross into the area which again Stanley cleared. Branthwaite reacted quickly to regain possession, before driving down the right and drilling a strike to find the far top corner, giving keeper Ruth Harbord no chance of saving.
Town’s tails were up and they were starting to dominate play.
Barber was again involved in Town’s second goal five minutes after taking the lead, drawing a foul five yards inside the visitors’ half.
Linzi Donaldson stepped up to deliver a pinpoint cross which was met by Bracken and a deft header found the net.
Town went hunting for more and given the foothold they had, there was no reason not to.
So Accrington’s goal on the stroke of half time came somewhat against the run of play.
Despite Niamh Morgan appearing to be unfairly dragged back, play was allowed to continue and the visitors took advantage.
A clinical strike from Megan Oliver left Laura Miller helpless before nestling in her far left bottom corner.
The second half was more of an even affair and whilst Town’s intent to play football continued, Stanley were looking to release quickly and they focused on counter attacking. Both sides threatened, but neither could find a decisive strike, that was until the game entered its final 10 minutes.
Sanah Medhi drew the visitors level in the 81st minute after collecting a rebound of an earlier strike to poke the ball home.
Town pushed for a winner and in the 89th minute it looked like that’s what they had done.
A Nat Broad corner from the left was locked into a perfect trajectory and Cassie Donald read it perfectly as she nodded home from a few yards out.
To the dismay of the home supporters and players alike, Stanley were not finished.
A quick release pumped forward from a loose ball just outside their area had turned the home back line and Emerald Parker had anticipated well.
Showing a clean pair of heels she took control before driving at Miller and powering a low strike home with intent.
The final whistle followed soon after and the honours were shared and with that Town’s return to winning ways will have to wait a while longer.
As well as Branthwaite claiming the official Player of the Game off Accrington, the qualities on the day displayed by Cassie Donald and Laura Miller, were also recognised with sponsors The Last of the Summer Wine and Joe Birkett Property Services, announcing their selections respectively.
After the game, manager Paul Mackenzie said: “I am pleased to say that we were more like ourselves after what was a disappointing performance two weeks ago against Blackpool.
“Kirsten Donald and Linzi Donaldson have taken over the vacated positions of captain and vice-captain, which Naomi Foster and Laura Miller have decided to step away from and in both cases, the decision was theirs and taken with the best interests of the club in mind, and with a collective disappointment from the rest of the squad.
“Naomi and Laura were highly valued assets of the club in their roles, and this will remain unchanged going forward. The amount of respect that I have for them both is immense and I thank them greatly for everything they have done and will continue to do for our club.”
