MATCH REPORT: Penrith Ladies  5-1  Workington Reds Ladies

The first North West Women’s Regional League fixture at the revamped Frenchfield Stadium went the way of the home team as they netted five against Reds for the second successive week.

But the scoreline was a little harsh on the visitors who performed better than they did seven days earlier.

When Hayley Bracken reduced the arrears just before half time with a well taken goal, it looked as though Reds might find a way back into the contest.  Then two bizarre goals in the second half saw the Bonny Blues girls assume control and finish impressive winners.

Penrith had raced into a three-goal lead by the half hour mark thanks to finishing of a high standard.  Sharina Robinson scored with two crackers from outside the box and Abbie Forster headed home a third when she met a free kick from deep, giving the hosts an unassailable lead.

Bracken scored her sixth goal of the season, headed a good chance wide and had another shot saved then Bea Barber’s effort narrowly missed the target as Reds hit a purple patch just before the interval.

That augured well for the second half but Penrith had other ideas and began to dominate.

Sarah Smith was credited with Penrith’s fourth after an almighty scramble in the Reds’ goalmouth, with the assistant referee signalling that the ball had crossed the line.

The fifth goal was even more unusual with Jodie English’s shot hitting the 3G surface before spinning in the opposite direction and into the net, completely deceiving Workington ’keeper, Laura Miller.  

On this form, Penrith could be title contenders this season whilst Reds have to become more decisive at both ends of the pitch and put their erratic form behind them.

Team: Laura Miller, Sophie Birkett, Naomi Foster, Eleanor McDonald, Chloe Henderson, Hayley Bracken, Morgan McGrady, Bea Barber, Keeley Holliday, Sophie Douglas, Helen Wagstaff.  Substitutes – Alice Kemp, Linzi Donaldson, Natalie Hooper, Hannah Ridgewell, Rowan Williams