United Ladies fell to a 3-0 defeat against Stanwix Ladies at Gilford Park on Sunday.
Sunday’s game proved a tricky occasion for a Carlisle side who were missing key players.
The Blues could be buoyed by a first-half performance that saw them edge proceedings against an experienced Stanwix side.
Carlisle’s first chance of the half arrived on 7 minutes when Victoria Riddet found space in the box to get a shot on target, but it was gathered by the Stanwix 'keeper.
Clear-cut chances were limited for both sides in the first-half with United’s only other chance of note coming on 41 minutes, when Chelsea Norris got in behind the Stanwix backline, but her shot could only find the side-netting.
The Cumbrians’ backline could be proud of their efforts and gave United a platform to build on in the second-half.
HALF-TIME: Stanwix 0-0 United
Carlisle were hopeful of a second-half performance that would see them gain all three points, but this didn’t arrive.
On 46 minutes, Stanwix put themselves ahead. An in-swinging corner broke free on the edge of the box to the opposition striker and she made no mistake rifling the ball into the back of the net.
The game was then halted for 10 minutes because of a freak injury to a Stanwix player. We wish her a speedy recovery.
United couldn’t regain their rhythm after this lengthy delay and that combined with horrendous conditions thwarted Carlisle’s momentum.
The scoreline could have got worse for United on 68 minutes if it wasn’t for a smart stop by Emma Kenyon to divert the Stanwix shot around the post.
The Cumbrians then managed to have a promising spell in proceedings, this was highlighted on 71 minutes by intricate link-up play between strikers Jess Cleasby and Norris, which resulted in Norris finding space in the Stanwix box, but her shot was smartly saved by the Stanwix 'keeper.
Carlisle were then made to pay for a wasteful second-half performance on 76 minutes, when another precise in swinging corner found the Stanwix defender in space to make the score 2-0 with a well-timed side-footed volley.
On 83 minutes, the hosts put the game beyond doubt. A superb double save from Kenyon nearly denied Stanwix their third, but the ball rebounded to the oncoming Stanwix player, who headed into the net to make their lead unassailable.
A sobering afternoon for United, who need to put things right next time out when they face fellow Cumbrians, Whitehaven AFC Ladies at Creighton.
FULL-TIME: Stanwix 3-0 United
United: Kenyon, Nixon, Beal, Norman, Defreitas, Norris, Winter, Murray, Scott, Porter, Riddet.
Subs: Cleasby, Messenger.
POM: Emma Kenyon (sponsored by Liam Irving Estate Agent)
