Hayley hat-trick

Reds Ladies played their first game of the season at Borough Park and marked the occasion by emerging emphatic winners over Morecambe Ladies.

A 4-1 victory lifted Reds to third position in Division One North of the North West Women’s Regional League with opponents Morecambe, meanwhile, propping up the table.

Reds raced into a four goal lead by half time thanks to a Hayley Bracken hat-trick and a cheeky headed goal from Jess Reynolds.

There would have been as many goals in the second half had it not been for Morecambe ‘keeper, Issy Brand, who had an outstanding game and kept Reds at bay with a string of fine saves.

Indeed, the only goal of the second half was a late consolation for the visitors with Natalie Broad cashing in on a defensive blunder.

Next up for Brian Heywood’s side is a trip to face league leaders Accrington Sports.