County Ladies were back at Stockport Sports Village at the weekend, looking to return to winning ways in the league against Leeds United.
The two sides were separated by just one point last season, with County in 5th and Leeds in 6th, and both came into the game having won one and lost one in the league so far.
Manager Steve O’Hara takes us through an end-to-end encounter:
“Sunday was a really tough day at the football office for us, with Leeds United the visitors to SSV.
“We started the game okay, in what was a very physical encounter. But we struggled throughout 90 minutes to keep possession, in what proved to be a very even contest.
“We broke the deadlock in the first-half when Liv Wilson made an overlapping run down the right-hand side, with her cross looping up and over the Leeds ‘keeper before dropping in at the back post.
“From then on, I thought we would really settle down and kick on, but we just couldn’t keep hold of the ball. Then, on the stroke of half-time, we were punished for failing to deal with a straight ball in to our box. The ball ended up at the attacker’s feet, and ‘keeper Lucy Farrell, in trying to dive onto it, caught the legs of the Leeds player for a penalty. That was dispatched comfortably, and we were level going in at the break.
“We spoke at half-time about keeping possession in the second half, but it didn’t turn out in our favour and the game became scrappy, with neither side really taking control of proceedings.
“Sloppy play by us resulted in gifting Leeds a corner out of nothing, and from that corner the visitors took the lead with a powerful header.
“We made some changes to try and get a foothold in the game as we pushed for an equaliser.
“It took until injury time, but our best bit of play in the whole game finally brought about a leveller. Lizzy Hamer was found down the right flank, pulling the ball back to Em Bradshaw, whose shot was turned in at the back post by substitute Jess Brady – her first goal for the club.
“There was still time for some drama, and that came in the shape of Fran Davies receiving a straight red card for an out of control tackle which seemed harsh at first, but on reflection was probably just about right.
“We managed to see out the rest of the game without any issues and we have to be happy with a point, having not played particularly well on the day.
“One thing we did show was great character to keep going, and a real togetherness and belief to get something out of the game when it looked like a lost cause.
“Next up, we travel to Kellamergh Park on Sunday 8th September to take on AFC Fylde in a 2pm KO. Your away support is always welcome, as we prepare for another tough test in the league.”
Cover Photo provided by Andrew Machin.
