County Ladies’ fine form continued at the weekend as Steve O’Hara’s side recorded a fourth consecutive win in all competitions, coming from behind to beat Liverpool Academy at Stockport Sports Village.
The 2-1 win saw County book their place in the second round of the FAWNL Plate, with momentum really building for the team ahead of a trip to Oakwell this Sunday.
Manager Steve O’Hara takes you through proceedings:
“We welcomed Liverpool Professional Game Academy to SSV, knowing very little about them. We had played them last season in a friendly, but as with most academies they turn over their players on a regular basis.
“We headed into the game in a good run of form, winning our last three games, and confidence was high particularly after the win against our closest neighbours, Cheadle in midweek.
“It was a good start to the game from us too, but we noticed straight away they were quite physical, which took us a bit by surprise with them being so young.
“Both teams played some neat passing patterns, without really troubling either keeper.
“Liverpool went on to break the deadlock halfway through the first-half, when a mix up at the back from a through ball resulted in the ball trickling into the empty net as goalkeeper Lucy came out.
“Straight from the kick-off though, we immediately hit back through good play down our left side, shifting the ball quickly on to Em Bradshaw, who fired over the keeper from the edge of the box.
“After half-time, the game ebbed and flowed with both teams creating half-opportunities more than real clear-cut chances.
“Lucy was called into action on a couple of occasions with some routine saves, but also a really smart stop down to her left.
“We made changes and put on a few we had rested from the midweek game, and on 85 minutes those changes paid off.
“Chloe Fisher’s shot was parried by the ‘keeper, Levi Rathburn followed up only to be denied again, but the ball eventually fell to the third substitute in the move, Lizzy Hamer, who made no mistake, firing past the ‘keeper who couldn’t do anything to stop it.
“That was Lizzy’s first competitive goal for the Club since joining us from Burnley at the start of the season.
“We saw the game out in pretty decent fashion to record another win, making it four in a row now in all competitions. It might not be vintage, flowing football at times, but it’s really effective at the moment and it’s always good to see even if you’re not at your best.
“We have drawn Durham Cestria in the next round of the FAWNL Plate, and that tie will be played at home on October 20.
“Before that, this weekend we travel to newly promoted Barnsley FC as we look to make it five on the spin, before heading into a really busy period with FA Cup games starting next week. Another great crowd of 175 turned out on Sunday and those numbers are fantastic to see, and we all really appreciate your support.”
The Ladies’ game at Barnsley this weekend will be played at Oakwell, with kick-off for that one at 2pm on Sunday 6th October.
Cover photo provided by Andrew Machin.
