The sun shone brightly as a depleted Ladies squad looked to bounce back from last week's narrow defeat with a short trip to the Sheepmount to play local neighours Carlisle City. City's squad was even more depleted as they were two players short at kick-off.
Newlaithes took the game to City from the off but the City players worked hard to make life difficult for Newlaithes with the lively Nicola 'Titch' Smith a constant thorn in Newlaithes' side. Nevertheless Newlaithes created a bag full of chances but as with last week they made life difficult for themselves as Carly, Emma, Faye, Chelsea N, Paige and Dani all saw efforts either off target or straight at the City keeper. City battled valiantly and Newlaithes were never allowed to settle into any kind of rhythm. Nevertheless it was still one-way traffic with Newlaithes forward Chelsea Norris making her first start for the Ladies team causing all kinds of problems down the left. Something had to give and Newlaithes eventually broke the deadlock after 28 minutes when Paige put the ball over the top for Faye to run onto. Faye cut inside from the right side of the area to beat her marker and slot the ball home. Twelve minutes later and it was two. A long free kick from Paige was put out for a corner on the right. Chelsea N floated in a delightfully flighted cross and Emma ran in to head home from close range. City were boosted by the arrival of another player shortly before half-time but the score remained 2-0 at the break.
Newlaithes continued to press at the start of the 2nd half and they extended their lead after 50 minutes from another corner on the right that found Emma in space in front of goal and she tapped in from close range. The game then continued in the same vein as the 1st half with chance after chance going begging for Newlaithes and the City keeper making several quality saves, notably a finger tip save over the bar from a dipping piledriver from Faye. Then on 72 minutes, the same combination struck again - another Chelsea N corner from the right and this time Emma ran in to smash the ball home on the volley for her hat-trick. Five minutes later and Newlaithes got their fifth when Faye hammered in a 30 yard free-kick that flew straight into the roof of the net. A minute later and it was number six as Tasha flicked the ball on for Faye, who dribbled her way through the City defence to complete her hat-trick with a cool finish. Three minutes later and it was Emma's turn to become provider as she played a sublime flick over the City defence for Tasha to run on to and lob the advancing keeper from just inside the area. A few minutes later and Newlaithes were awarded a penalty for handball. Sub Katie J stepped up to take the kick but unfortunately her well struck shot was straight at the keeper. Then on 86 minutes Emma intercepted a City goal kick and she played the ball through for Tasha to cooly slot home her second and Newlaithes' 8th. On 90 minutes, Newlaithes wrapped up the scoring when Faye flicked on a Paige free kick for Emma to slot home for her fourth. Final score 9-0 to Newlaithes.
All credit to City who battled for the whole game and for long periods stopped Newlaithes from playing with any real composure. Not to take anything away from the Newlaithes players though, as they raised their game after a lethargic start to dominate the match. Jade, Laura O, Tasha and Chelsea L were solid at the back for Newlaithes with Paige, Faye and Carly controlling midfield. Special mention to Carly who insisted on playing despite having been ill most of the week. The forwards of Dani, Emma and Chelsea N were faced with some resolute defending by City but despite that, Newlaithes created literally dozens of credible chances and they eventually found their scoring touch when Tasha switched to attack from defence. Player of the match was U16 player Chelsea N, who was a revelation on the left in her first start for the Ladies after having made her debut coming on as sub in last week's defeat at Abbeytown. Newlaithes keeper Lauren was a virtual spectator and she had three touches of the ball throughout the match.
Next week the Ladies are in cup action with the League Cup semi-final at home to league leaders Kendal Town, 11:30ko at Rickerby Park. Please come down and support the team in the biggest match of the season!!
