2 late strikes at the end of each half saw The Greens come out on top against long time Division 1 outfit Arnold Eagles F.C.
With the Priory squad down to 12 and 2 of our 4 defenders not available ( Killett, Washington ) Priory manager Liam Gray had to prompt a re jig in defence which would work wonders. With Captain Oliwia Michalska stepping into the Centre back role. Team was as follows.
Taylor in Goal. RB Currie ( although was replaced early on by Tuxford ) CB Michalska (C) LB Scotney
A midfield 4 of RM Chadwick CM pairing Herman & Parkin LM Lawton.
And solitary Striker Lucy Funnell making her League debut for The Greens.
The game began with a quick pace from both teams and Arnold having most of the possession but the Priory back line were able to snuff out any potential threat that Arnold presented whilst looking threatening on the counter attack with the pace out wide.
3 fantastic opportunities in the first 20 minutes fell the way of Tuxford, Chadwick and Funnell.
Tuxford and Chadwicks efforts almost identical strikes that the Arnold keeper dealt with well.
Funnels effort from a magnificent cross from Lily Tuxford took a wicked bobble in the unpredictable area (which was to play it's part again) just as Funnell was about to connect with the ball and bounced away to safety.
But on 28 minutes the deadlock was broken as Player of the match Parkin broke clear of the Arnold defence to smash into the roof of the net from 15 yards leaving the Goalkeeper helpless. Priory deservedly taking the lead.
Second half and nothing much changed, Arnold playing nice football but not really producing anything. Commanding physical performances from Michalska, Scotney, Parkin, Herman and Walker meant that Arnold were really struggling to create. Parkin and Herman began to dictate the middle of the park physically and Arnold's good players were struggling to influence the game to the point that the Arnold manager but his captain and best player in defence.
However on 64 minutes Arnold's luck was about to change, a long distance tame effort that Taylor had covered comfortably took another bobble in that area to pee roll it's way into the corner and make it 1-1. A stroke of luck for the away side.
With 4 minutes left and all to play for the game took a turn Ava Herman & Thalia Parkin worked the ball through the middle before releasing Lawton down the right who managed to win a corner, Any one who has been watching Priory recently knows how effective our corners have been.
A sub was swiftly made Walker off Chadwick on who subsequently took the corner with immense bend and accuracy to land it on Willow Lawtons Right foot volley to smash into the net and leave Arnold stunned!! 2-1 Priory. With next to no time left. Final whistle sounded and Priory had taken all 3 points deservedly.
Managers comments : " In my opinion in terms of work rate, togetherness and battling this is by far our best performance potentially ever."
"Let's not get it twisted Arnold are a good side who have played at this level for years so not only to beat them but to do so in the circumstances we faced today is amazing. The girls should be proud of what they achieved today because I know I'm proud of them"
