Ladies lose out in tough game
A much changed United side travelled to Accrington with no fewer than six enforced changes from the previous weeks side against Manchester City, writes Richard Mallinson.
Accrington have enjoyed a good season in the NW Regional League with them sitting in third place. One of their four defeats to date came at Creighton in the reverse fixture with United gaining a 4-2 victory.
Accrington’s positional advantage in terms of league position was not evident in the first half at a wet Livingstone Road. United looked threatening on the break as they matched the home side and created early opportunities through Annie Coupland and Jenna Ullyart.
Accrington took the lead on 19 minutes when once again, a corner was to be United’s undoing. The ball was floated in and the Accrington player rose above the United defence to head in from 8 yards.
The home side continued to press and created a couple of half chance which were dealt with by United keeper Laura Miller.
United continued to look sharp on the break and they got their reward on 34 minutes when Jenna Ullyart smashed the ball into the net from 20 yards to level the scores. United continued to press and probably edged the first half as they looked to build upon the victory at Creighton earlier in the season.
The weather had improved for the beginning of the second half and United created a chance on 48 minutes when Cally Martin was unlucky not to score. United were then the victims of a torrid fifteen minutes as the home side put the game out of reach with four goals in quick succession.
The first came on 55 minutes when some determined defending in a goalmouth scramble was eventually smashed over the line from six yards.
Lady luck was not on United’s side a clearance by the United keeper ricocheted off an oncoming attacker to make the score 3-1 on 59 minutes.
United once again conceded from a corner on 64 minutes and Accrington added a fifth on 69 minutes.
These quick four goals had done enough to finish the game although United did search to add to their goal creating some good opportunities. Laura Miller made an excellent save pushing the ball onto the bar to deny a sixth for the home side.
The result was a disappointing one for United having played some good football in the first half and restricting the home sides opportunities.
On the day, Accrington showed their quality in front of goal in the second half and were a little bit sharper than the less experienced United side.
Next up for United is a trip to Bury; this will be an important game as United look to add to their points tally as they approach the end of the season.
United: Miller, Martin, Owen, Mallin, McGimpsey, Kelly, Browbank, Wharton, Ullyart, Walker, Coupland (Mallinson). Subs: Waller
The remaining fixtures have now been planned as follows:
Sun 23rd March- Bury (A)
Sun 30th March- Woolton (H)
Sun 6th April- Padiham (A)
Sun 13th April- Kendal Town (H)- Cumberland Cup Semi Final
Weds 23rd April- Kendal Town (H)