County Ladies will officially began their league season this Sunday against Durham Cestria at Stockport Sports Village, and it’s been another busy week for the Club as they prepare to get up and running. Read all about it in the latest weekly update:
First-team’s pre-season finishes in style at Salford:
After the disappointment of two cancelled games during the last week, the First Team were keen to get back playing. They travelled away to Salford City FC Lionesses and finished their league preparation in style with a 4-0 victory.
The goals came from Jess Battle, new signings Harriet Houghton and Ella Ritchie, and one from Liv Wild, a worldie, to complete the scoring. It was also pleasing to keep a clean-sheet, with the goalkeeping duties shared between a Trialist and new signing Charlie Bolland.
Reserve and Development Team also in action:
The Reserve and Development Teams were also in action at the weekend, both playing at Stockport Sports Village. Their seasons don’t start for a few weeks yet, so they’re not as far along the pre-season path as the First Team.
An experienced Athletico Middleton side, who already had four pre-season games under their belt, were the Reserves opposition. The difference in match time showed in the first half, but County came back strongly after the break with two goals from Talia Morrison to make the full-time score a respectable 2-3. County could have clinched the victory on another day, and will look to sharpen up in front of goal in their next few friendlies.
The Development side hosted Mossley AFC and it was a similar story to the Reserves. This was their first pre-season game and the management Team of Dan Dewar and Rhys Dandeker-Bourne are learning where new players fit into the squad.
The Development team is comparatively young for Open Age football, many of the players making the step up from playing at Under 18s level in the Cheshire Women’s and Youth League last season. They conceded some early goals but came back strongly to finish the better side, without quite being able to pull back the deficit from the first half. The final score finished 3-4 to Mossley.
Cup opponents revealed:
The draw for the FA Women’s National League Cup was made this week and we have been drawn away to Peterborough United Women, with the tie set to be played on the 11th September.
Start of the season is here:
The First Team’s FA Women’s National League campaign begins next Sunday, at home against Durham Cestria, who finished third in the League last season.
Entry at Stockport Sports Village is free to all County season ticket holders and it would be fantastic to get a big crowd down to support the team. The refreshment ‘Hatch’ at SSV is back in full operation for hot and cold drinks, snacks and beer!
