The Ladies were looking to consolidate their position at the top of the Cumbria Women's League as they played host to a depleted Penrith AFC Development side.
Newlaithes dominated possession from the start but were unable to make the breakthrough with some sloppy finishing, putting several shots off-target. When they did find their range, they were thwarted by some outstanding saves from the Penrith keeper Hannah Sherlock, who was playing her first game in 8 years!! Newlaithes eventually broke the deadlock on 20 minutes when Carly Stevenson was fouled just outside the area. Faye Comber stepped up to stroke the ball into the top corner from the free-kick. Newlaithes increased their lead on 34 minutes when Paige Williams' shot was blocked following a corner from the left and it was Faye Comber again who latched onto the loose ball to blast home, left footed with a first time effort from the edge of the area. The game continued in the same pattern with Newlaithes dominating possession but unable to breakdown a spirited Penrith defence.
The second half continued in the same vein with the Penrith keeper putting in one of the best performances ever seen in the Cumbria Women's League, with a string of outstanding saves. Newlaithes increased the lead on 55 minutes when Pat Currie scored direct from a corner on the left, her high loopng cross dipping in at the far post. On 66 minutes, Newlaithes got their fourth when Penrith were unable to clear a corner from the right and Hannah Whitford popped up to tap in the loose ball from 6 yards. Still more Newlaithes possession followed with a number of efforts just wide and yet more fantastic goalkeeping by Hannah Sherlock. However she wasn't able to do anything about Newlaithes' fifth when Chloe Moore picked up a loose ball 25 yards out and she lashed in a screamer that flew in just under the bar and beyond the keeper's finger tips. Despite Newlaithes' dominance, Penrith battled with real grit and determination throughout and they earned a consolation goal a minute from time when they made a rare break into the Newlaithes half, only for their forward to be fouled 25 yards out, slightly left of centre. Emma Edgar stepped up to take the kick and she curled the ball into the top right-hand corner.
Despite being comfortably in control, the Newlaithes players grew increasingly frustrated the longer the game went on. Penrith defended deep and despite some good build-up play by Newlaithes, when it came to the final third they were guilty on occasions of trying to do too much as individuals, when a lay-off might have been the better option. Nevertheless, it is fair to say that they were still able to create a bag-full of chances and the shot count was easily in the 20's - but time and time a gain they were undone by a mixture of poor finishing and the outstanding performance of the Penrith keeper. Credit to the Penrith team who continued to battle right until the final whistle. Newlaithes player of the match was Gemma Dawber for playing with real determination both in defence then in attack when she was pushed forward in the second half.
With no fixture scheduled next week, the Ladies are once again playing a friendly against the University of Cumbria, 2pm kick-off at Rickerby Park.
