AFC STOCKPORT LADIES 1 ALTRINCHAM FC LADIES 3
Cheshire Women's & Youth League, Division Two.
Thursday 12th September 2013
LINE-UP
ALTRINCHAM FC LADIES SQUAD: To be advised
REPORT
The following report comes courtesy of John McManus.Altrincham Ladies played their first away game on the season on Thursday evening. They travelled the relatively short distance to face AFC Stockport. The corresponding fixture last season produced no goals.
The match official was keen to get the game underway on time due to failing light on a dull evening.
Straight from the kick off both teams were keen to gain the upper hand.
It was AFC Stockport who threatened first to break the deadlock. The Altrincham defence stood firm despite Stockport's barrage of long balls into the final third. Altrincham Ladies were beginning to adapt to playing on a smaller pitch not ideally suited to their free flowing passing game.
The first goal came on eighteen minutes following a ball played from the AFC Stockport right into the heart of the Altrincham area which was prodded home to give the home side an early advantage (0-1).
Altrincham Ladies remained positive and were soon creating several chances. A ball played from the right wing by Sarah McManus was collected by in form striker Tracey Blanchard-Webb who made no mistake placing the ball past the despairing AFC Stockport keeper (1-1).
The first half came to a close with Altrincham Ladies in the ascendancy.
| Half-Time: AFC STOCKPORT LADIES 1 ALTRINCHAM FC LADIES 1 |
In drizzly conditions, the second half got underway with both teams contesting all areas in a keenly fought match. Mid-way through the half a brilliant piece of individual skill by Chloe Alsop from just outside the eighteen yard box produced a wonder goal which saw the ball looping over the AFC Stockport keeper (1-2).
AFC Stockport created several chances at one stage producing a succession of corners which were ably dealt with by keeper Lizzie Brereton and her defence.
Altrincham Ladies continued pressing down the flanks and in the closing stages were rewarded with a third goal. An inch-perfect cross by Tracey Blanchard-Webb was met by second half substitute Sam Jones who just piped her team captain Heather Scott to the ball (1-3).
The final whistle came as the light began to fade on Daisey Field.
This was a very encouraging performance by Altrincham Ladies who are already looking forward to their next game.
Special mention must go to defenders Sam Briggs (Player of the match), Gail Simpson, Caroline Moran and Katherine (Cyprus) McIntyre who all played excellently against some awkward high balls throughout the game.
| Full-Time: AFC STOCKPORT LADIES 1 ALTRINCHAM FC LADIES 3 |