MATCH REPORT: Penwortham Town Ladies  4-1  Workington Reds Ladies

The odds were stacked against Reds Ladies before they set off from Borough Park, with just twelve players able to travel.

And those that were available lacked experience with eight of the squad under 20 and six either seventeen or under. 

A difficult situation was compounded before kick-off when Sophie Birkett sustained a strain during the warm-up, an injury which was enough to rule her out of the game.

Despite the numerous setbacks, the eleven left standing gave a good account of themselves and, against the odds, were in front for over half an hour in their Division One North fixture.

Morgan McGrady opened the scoring midway through the first half when her shot from the edge of the box found a way past Karen White, giving Reds something to hang on to.

They failed to add to that goal, though, and the whole complexion of the game changed on the hour mark.  Penwortham equalised via the penalty spot following a handball offence and, within a few minutes, had netted three more to take control.

Reds battled on bravely, steadied the ship, and even created a few chances themselves before the end, to no avail unfortunately.

McGrady (inset) was awarded ‘player of the game’ for Reds as she maintained her recent, impressive form.  But all those involved deserve the plaudits for a great effort in difficult circumstances.

Team: Laura Miller, Sydney Bragg, Naomi Foster, Alice Kemp, Leah Cottier, Hannah Ridgewell, Sophie Douglas, Emi Rudd, Liv Bennett, Morgan McGrady, Kacey Rodgers.