Town Ladies share the spoils
Kendal Town Ladies share the points in a closely fought encounter away at Abbeytown Ladies..
Sunday 13th November 2011
Kendal Town Ladies share the points in a closely fought encounter away at Abbeytown Ladies..
[Match Report by David Shankley]
On a clear sunny November day, in North West Cumbria, Abbeytown looked the brighter side, coming close to opening the scoring on three separate occasions during the opening twenty minutes of this encounter between these two very competitive sides, in the Cumbria Women’s League.
Kendal fought back, trying to get a foothold in the game, and the pressure resulted in Nessa Temple coming close twice. The second, her shot beating the home keeper & the post, by inches!
However, it was the home side who broke the deadlock on the half hour when Lel Walker launched a curling free kick from 25 yards into the top corner of town’s net, giving the keeper no chance. Within four minutes the visitors were level; Nessa Temple finishing the move started by Brooke Kenny and involving Nicola Martindale. The remainder of the first half was played out with both sides pressing, looking for an opening, as both defences stayed tight, notably Jen Carradus & player’s ‘player of the match’ Vicky Jones for the visitors. No more goals: Half time 1 – 1.
Now settled, Kendal opened the second half playing more open football in the style shown on numerous occasions this season; Nessa Temple’s shot from range rattled the crossbar & Jo Thompson following in appeared to be brought down in the penalty box?, fair challenge was the referee’s verdict!
With twenty minutes remaining, Nessa then hit a post & Captain Lauren Downham blazed the rebound over from 8 yards out! Scores still level...................
Five minutes later, with town mounting the pressure, Nessa, played onside by one of the home defenders, found herself clear & slotted the ball into the net past the oncoming Abbeytown keeper from 12 yards. Two for Nessa, who has now scored in all five league games this season & 1 – 2 to Kendal!
Town, not content with their slender lead, continued their quest for more goals; Jo Thompson fired over from close range; Lauren Downham struck the bar from a direct free kick in the closing minutes.
Then, disaster!.......... with 90 minutes on the clock, Abbeytown drove forward, forced a corner and although Monica Staniek was able to palm the cross away, the home striker fired the ball back in and defender Lauren Hackett ‘saved’ on the line! Hand ball – PENALTY! From the spot Kate Brown struck the ball well, giving Monica no chance. All square 2 – 2 & that’s how it finished......A day for reflection / missed opportunities & chances? But a hard fought contest and a point won away from home, leaving town still top and unbeaten in the Cumbria Women’s League.
Kendal Town Ladies Team: 1) M Staniek, 2) S Upton, 3) L Hackett, 4) J Carradus, 5) V Jones, 6) N Martindale, 7) B Kenny, 8) L Downham (C), 9) J Thompson, 10) N Temple, 11) M Raven.
Subs Not Used: S Barnes, E Chadwick, F Armstrong, A Wenlock.
Abbeytown Ladies - 2
Lel Walker 30; Kate Brown [Pen] 90
Kendal Town Ladies - 2
Nessa Temple (2) 34,74
Next Game in CWL: TBC
