Lepton Highlanders 1-0 Bradford Park Avenue Ladies
Any thoughts of winning the League Cup were put to bed in the preliminary round tie for the Avenue Ladies, although to be fair it was a tie that would and could have graced any final at this level! This leaves the Ladies shifted to the League Sheild Tournement for the coming Season where they will fancy their chances of lifting some Silverwear.
The Game started really quite evenly and it was clear to see that these two sides will be among the pacesetters for the League. Avenue however kept Lepton to long balls and speculative efforts within the early exchanges. As the game began to settle down it was the visitors that looked the most comfortable, disciplined and confident with the ball, and in truth without it. However, as is often the case, when a team is on top but doesn't score the opposition does! A long ball lofted forward mis-judged by Centre Back Claire Hancock, after a long shift at the Hospital, fell kindly for the onrushing forward, the shot was parried by Goalkeeper Annie Roberts but the post interviend and sent it in 1-0 Lepton.
Avenue remained resolute and completed the half again on top, including a wicked cornerball by ever impressing Nicole Chamberlin which, if you were to believe the rather vocal protests of Danielle Williams, went over the line, but as it was cleared before it hit the floor and there was no Russian Linesman insight it was not counted! Other chances came and went and at halftime Avenue looked the better team.
The Second half continued in a similar vein, outstanding defending from the back four especially Man of the Match Laura Wolfenden and Centre Back Tess Shaw, tireless work in the centre from in form Danielle Williams and good link play from both wingers, yet un-productive in the final third.
A somewhat un-savoury challange on Annie Roberts saw her have to leave the Goals to be re-placed by Claire Hancock towards the latter stages of the game, but this didn't mean Annie would leave the field as she slotted back into her wing role, where in truth we were all pleased to see her. Contiual pressing from Avenue made for a tense finish with shots from Mel Houldsworth and Christina Berry off target, and a late corner from Laura Wolfenden not quite falling for a Greena nd White shirt.
As the final whistle blew it was Lepton who progressed in the tournement, but for my money Avenue looked the better side for a good 80 minutes of the game, aside from the goal they never looked greatly threatened and in possession they were solid. If anything the game simple highlighted the area in which work needs to be done which rather than showing a weakness here, I believe shows the strengths everywhere else and if we can bring our play in final third up to the same high standard then the Avenue Ladies will really be a force to be reckoned with.
An away match next week sees the Ladies debut in the FA Cup playing Kirklees Ladies at Leeds Road Playing Fields, it would be great to see a large amount of Avenue supporters at the game so please if you have the time come along and watch the game. The following week see a re-run of todays game but in the League.
