Derby day went County’s way at Stockport Sports Village on Wednesday night, as County Ladies made it three wins on the bounce with a hard-fought victory over high-flying Cheadle Town Stingers at Stockport Sports Village.
Steve O’Hara’s side came into the game off the back of an eye-catching 3-1 win at Doncaster on Sunday, but faced a tough challenge against a Cheadle side who had won four of their first five games in the league, sitting second.
Manager Steve O’Hara shares his thoughts on the game:
“A first local derby in six years under the lights at SSV produced what was a typically cagey match, that quickly became a battle of grit rather than free flowing football.
“Cheadle arrived in great form, only losing one of their previous six games in all competitions, and that was on the first day of the season against current league leaders, Middlesbrough.
“We had 16-year-old Cara Pestell in goal, a late call-up due to an injury to regular number one, Lucy.
“As the rain came down at the start of the game, Cheadle started the brighter, really put us under pressure and really should have scored in that opening exchange.
“We really struggled to get any foothold in the game but the ball was out of play a lot of the time and corners rained in on our defence.
“We had the odd flurry forward on the counter-attack, but in all honesty Cheadle didn’t have any clear cut chances either.
“Just before the break, a sweeping move down our left and a swift switch of play was met by Emma Lysons, whose cross-cum-shot nestled in the bottom corner. A little against the run of play, but you take anything you can in a derby.
“We changed our shape a little at the break and I felt we gained a bit more control of the game. But it remained a scrappy affair, with both teams cancelling each other out.
“We looked more dangerous on the break, but Cheadle always had that electric pace upfront that could be a real problem.
“Chloe Fisher came close to extending our lead with a clever lob which just fell the wrong side of the post, with the visiting ‘keeper beaten.
“Our game management was superb in the final stages and Cheadle had one more great chance with former player Jess Gillin racing clear after a mistake, but her shot was brilliantly saved by Cara.
“We saw the final few minutes out and there was a definite relief when the referee blew the final whistle, securing a hard fought three points against a very good team.
“A record crowd of 207 were down at SSV, enjoying the battle of two good sides locking horns, and I’m sure there will be many more derbies to come over the next few seasons.
“Next, we welcome Liverpool Academy on Sunday in the second round of the League Plate Cup. The game is a 2pm kick-off and a great opportunity for us to test ourselves against a professional club – one which we are all looking forward too.”
Cover photo provided by Andrew Machin.
