The Ladies continued their recent good progress against a strong Kendal Wattsfield team at the Lakeland Radio Stadium, Parkside Road, Kendal. Newlaithes were without, Abbie, Beth, Holly, Jemma and Katie J but welcomed back Emma and Carly after her brief sabatical...
Newlaithes started kicking down the slope but it was KW who looked stronger at the start. They had Newlaithes pegged back for most of the first 10 minutes but Newlaithes defended resolutely and for all their possession, KW didn't really threaten the Newlaithes goal. Newlaithes then settled down and began to fight back. Their pressure was rewarded with a penalty after 14 minutes when a KW defender handled in the box. Stacey stepped up to tuck away the penalty. KW's frustration was evident as Newlaithes continued to match them toe to toe in what was becoming a tough physical contest. After 22 minutes, KW won a penalty when Emma was adjudged to have fouled in the box, which they duly blasted home. Three minutes later, Newlaithes' lead was restored when the KW keeper fumbled Stacey's free-kick under pressure from Emma and Claire mopped up the loose ball. Newlaithes came close soon after when Laura W's long range effort clipped the top of the bar. Then KW came close when they beat the offside trap but Katie M won the 1 on 1 challenge. Newlaithes got their 3rd in the 44th minute when Laura W shot from the edge of the box. The keeper saved well but Claire followed up - only for the keeper to save again but Laura W finally forced the loose ball home from close range. 3-1 at half time.
KW came out fired up for the 2nd half but any intentions of a quick goal evaporated as Newlaithes were dogged as ever. The 2nd half became a tough midfield battle and chances were few and far between as both defences were strong. Laura O had a shot well saved but despite good pressure, Newlaithes were unable to add to their total. At the other end, KW pushed more players forward and Newlaithes suffered a blow when Faye had to be stretchered off after a crunching tackle with the KW winger (she was taken to hospital for an X-Ray and thankfully nothing is broken). Katie M then saved well from a stinging shot from the edge of the box. KW's frustration was still evident as time ticked away. In the fourth minute of injury time, two KW forwards broke free and as everyone waited for the offside whistle, they scored for a consolation goal. Final score 3-2.
This really was a tough match and Newlaithes came out deserved winners although it was never easy. This was Kendal Wattsfield's first home defeat of the season (their only two defeats have been away to the top two teams, Whitehaven and Harraby) which again is evidence of how far the Newlaithes team has progressed.
Player of the match was split between Katie M for making some crucial saves and Laura W, who's movement and touch were top quality.
Next week the Ladies are at home to Kendal Wattsfield in the league. Keep it up!!!
