Last Sunday saw County Ladies First Team embark on a run of five consecutive away games to finish our season in the FA Women’s National League. Find out how they got on in our latest weekly update!
First-team look to complete the double over York:
This week we travelled to take on York City LFC, who we’d beaten 3-0 in the corresponding home game just before Christmas. Steve O’Hara was looking for a positive response after last weekend’s home defeat against Barnsley and fielded a strong squad, with just Maria Figueiredo absent through injury, and a debut for new signing, Lily Murphy, on loan from Manchester City.
Manager, Steve O’Hara describes how the game unfolded: –
“We were looking for a reaction after last week’s defeat, but in the first half we struggled to get a grip of the game on a narrow pitch. We found space hard to come by, and although we never looked in trouble, I would say York probably had the better of the play.
“At half-time we talked about making the pitch bigger for ourselves and not get dragged out of position. We started the second half much better and quickly took control of the game, forcing a couple of corners and throw-ins deep inside their half.
“It was from a throw-in that we got the break-through; the keeper hesitated, and Em Bradshaw was on hand, and reacted sharply, to smash the ball home.
“After that we looked a lot more confident, and the introduction of some fresh legs paid off, with new signing, Lily Murphy, beating her defender and calmly slotting in the bottom corner to extend our lead.
“We could relax a bit and see the game out but still created a couple more chances. All-in-all a very good away performance.
“We have now amassed more points this season with 5 games to go than we had at the end of last season. This indicates really good progress and I’m so proud of the girls’ efforts this season”.
Next Sunday, the team make the long trip north to play league leaders, Durham Cestria. Following a 0-0 home draw in the corresponding fixture on the opening day of the season, Steve O’Hara will be looking to go one better and gain points on the three teams above us in the league.
After that, it’s Crewe Alexandra away in the Cheshire County Cup semi-final!
