The Ladies were up against runaway league leaders Kendal Town for the second week running. Could they take the points after last week's encouraging performance?
From the very first whistle, both teams picked up where they left off last week with Kendal having slightly the better of the early possession. As with last week the game ebbed and flowed but it was Newlaithes who took the lead when Emma threaded the ball from midfield out to Pat on the right. Pat raced down the wing and steadied herself before rifling a thunderbolt that flew past the keeper and into the far top corner. For the benefit of those who may think it was meant as a cross, Pat has scored that type of goal too many times before and I would prefer to think of it as a 'Pat special'. Newlaithes were good value for their lead and were closing down quickly to deny Kendal space. However on 23 minutes Newlaithes won a throw halfway inside their own half. Unfortunately the ball went straight to a Kendal player and she raced through the gaping Newlaithes defence to drill the ball home despite Jade's best efforts to get a tackle in. Chances came and went at both ends and both keepers were kept busy then on 44 minutes Kendal broke into the Newlaithes area and were awarded a penalty for a high foot in the challenge. Despite keeper Lauren getting her hands to the ball, the power on the shot took the ball in to give Kendal a 2-1 lead at half time.
Far from being disappointed, the Newlaithes players were feeling aggrieved to be behind and were determined to make amends in the second half. Both teams continued to work their socks off but it was Newlaithes' turn to exert the early pressure and they drew level on 55 minutes when the ball found its way to Carly who was just outside the Kendal area. She took one touch to her right before curling a beauty into the top corner that gave the Kendal keeper no chance. There was never a dull moment with some tough challenges flying in from all sides. As the half progressed, Newlaithes lapsed momentarily into their old bad habit of sitting too deep and they made life difficult for themselves as Kendal were given space to work in and they had Alix to thank for clearing off the line after a Kendal corner from the left. A couple of substitutions later and fresh legs made all the difference, with sub Cathy putting in a feisty performance in midfield and Chloe, playing in only her second senior game, also looking solid in defence. Her willingness to push forward and her missile long throws into the wind were also creating all kinds of opportunities for Newlaithes as they began peg Kendal back and their keeper had to be on top form to keep Newlaithes out. Kendal were still looking dangerous themselves though and it was anyone's game but as the clock crept into the final quarter, Newlaithes began to have the better of it. Then with 10 minutes to go, Tasha played a long ball into the Kendal area from the halfway line on the right hand side. Emma sprinted towards the ball as the Kendal keeper raced of her line. It was neck and neck as Emma just got there first and she looped a first time shot back towards goal that sailed in at the far post to give Newlaithes the lead. Moments later and Emma almost increased the lead as she broke free in the Kendal area. Unfortunately her boot had come off as a result of a challenge and her left footed sock-shot flew just the wrong side of the post. Kendal tried to fight back but Newlaithes' tails were up and they battled tooth and nail to cut down Kendal's options and keep them at bay. The final whistle finally went after a 52 minute 2nd half to give Newlaithes a deserved victory as they inflicted the first league defeat of the season on their worthy opponents.
For the second game in the space of a week these two teams served up a real spectacle that kept everyone on their toes. It was never pretty and slick one touch passing was at a premium as neither team gave the other time to settle on the ball for too long. Whereas last week Kendal were deserved winners, this was definitely Newlaithes' day as they put in a momentous effort to gain the upper hand and they certainly had the better of the chances, with the Kendal keeper making a string of fine saves including a point blank 'double' from Cathy. This was an excellent team performance by Newlaithes with everyone working so hard. However one player stood out with her endless running, quality skill on the ball and wilingness to put herself on the line so this week's player of the match goes to Carly.
The Ladies are away next week in a local derby against Carlisle City at the Sheepmount, 2pm kick-off.
