Excitement continues to build at Stockport Sports Village ahead of County Ladies’ blockbuster encounter against FC United of Manchester at Edgeley Park on Sunday 10th March, as we bid to break the club’s attendance record.
The Ladies’ game at Hull City at the weekend was called off, so in this week’s update we go back to the team’s trip to promotion-chasing Barnsley last Tuesday. Manager Steve O’Hara takes us through the action:
“A cold wet Tuesday night game in Penistone came on the back of a good win in the Cheshire Cup just two days earlier. We travelled to face a Barnsley side in second place – always a tough game, as they are a big, physical side to come up against.
“We started the game really well and deservedly took an early lead on seven minutes, when really good work down our left led to Lily Weston firing a ball across the box and all the way through to Em Lysons on the opposite side, who fired past the stranded goalkeeper.
“We had a couple more half-chances in a bright 15 minute spell and were unlucky not to score again in that period and give ourselves a bit of a cushion.
“As expected, our hosts rallied and for the rest of the half really put us under a lot of pressure – getting back on level terms 20 minutes, which looking back was a poor goal to concede from our point of view.
“We got to half-time level and adjusted a few things with our tactics, and we were by far the better team for the whole of the second half. Barnsley’s keeper went on to make a few good saves to keep the scores level.
“As the game was drawing to a close we broke from our own box, and a through ball to Em Bradshaw was adjudged to be offside despite the fact she was clearly onside by a yard.
“So we had to settle for a point on the night, which in the circumstances was a great point on the road having played two days earlier and after coming against a very strong Barnsley side.
“Our game against Hull was called off for a second time on Sunday, which allowed us to rest a few players carrying knocks, and now our focus and preparation turns to FC United and Edgeley Park on Sunday 10th March. Everyone is excited for what should be a great occasion and a local derby on Mother’s Day.”
Don’t forget, you can get tickets for that game at Edgeley Park online now – click here to order yours today for just £5, and help make it a day to remember for Steve and the team!
