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FCUMW's unbeaten start to the season ended by Stockport County

FCUMW’s unbeaten start to the season ended by Stockport CountyFC United Women suffered their first league defeat since the 2016-17 season, on Sunday, going down 4-1 at Stockport County.

Despite levelling the score through Rebecca Foster on 23 minutes, three second half goals for the hosts ended United’s unbeaten start to the 2018/19 season.

The Reds started on the front foot, showing early intent going forward and pressing from the front. It was Stockport who made the most of their early chances however, finding the net after the ball had found Jodie Hancock, on the edge of the box from a cleared corner.

A trademark of Luke Podmore’s side is their ability to strike back with immediate effect, and they nearly did so again on this occasion. Good hold up play from Jess Battle caused the defence problems before she was able to off-load to Hannah Dale who drew a free-kick in a dangerous position. Dale got up to take the free-kick on the left that was eventually collected by the goalkeeper.

That was the first of two free-kicks that Dale won on the left wing, whipping in an even better ball on 23 minutes, that the keeper could only parry to Rebecca Foster who confidently side-footed the equaliser on the volley.

It was then Chloe Ainsworth who was called in to action at the other end, straight after, bravely rushing out before getting down low to stop a goal-bound shot, keeping FC level.

On 39 minutes United showed their quality in midfield, captain Kirsty Chambers alert to intercept a loose pass before firing over a cross-field ball in the direction of an on-rushing Hannah Dale who couldn’t quite connect sweetly enough with the ball.

Arguably the Reds’ best spell of the game so far came just before the break, as they pushed for the go-ahead goal. Both Jess Battle and Kirsty Chambers had efforts that fell just wide of the target, moments before the referee blew for the break at Stockport Sports Village.

Less than 30 seconds after the restart, the hosts regained their lead. A ball in-behind the back line met the run of Chloe Mapp who finished beyond Ainsworth to put United behind for the second time in the match.

The goal provoked another attacking response from the Reds, with goal-scorer Rebecca Foster trying her luck from range but unable to trouble the goalkeeper, as United registered their first attempt of the half.

From attack to defence it was Fran Davies who put in a superb last-ditch tackle to keep the score at 2-1 but the Reds couldn’t keep out Stockport just a few minutes later. Katie Brusell headed in from a corner to give the hosts’ a two-goal advantage.

Aimee O’Keeffe had replaced Kate O’Gara with Corie Mather also introduced in place of Kirsty Chambers as the visiting FC looked to get back in to the game. The first of those substitutes went close to having the desired impact, after her shot was turned away having been well-found by a low driven Jess Battle cross.

As the game went in to the last ten minutes, United continued to plug away with podmore making his third and final change; Jein replacing Carrington. For all their efforts, it was the hosts who sealed the points on 85 minutes. Former FCUMW player Shellby Wolstencroft netting on the run to realistically put an end to the contest.

Podmore’s side didn’t give up there however, the Stockport defence were forced in to a goal-line clearance to prevent O’Keeffe getting a consolation goal for the Reds, in the sixth minute of added time.

Shortly after, the referee called an end to the game with United falling to their first defeat of the season. Next up is a chance to hit back in the league, as FCUMW come up against another currently unbeaten side in Tranmere Rovers LFC at Broadhurst Park, on Sunday (4th November) - 2pm KO.

We hope to see you there!

FCUMW Player of the Match: Jess McCarrick - On a disappointing afternoon for FCUMW, McCarrick was used in both defensive and midfield roles, regularly showing confidence in possession and an intent to create openings for United.

Stockport County LFC: 4 (1)

1. Lauren Blackett
2. Hanna Wilson
3. Claire O’Reilly
4. Jodie Hancock (Goal 5 mins)
5. Nicola Connor
6. Chaneece Reeves
7. Katherine Jones
8. Sophie John
9. Katie Brusell (Goal 58 mins)
10. Chloe Mapp (Goal 46 mins)
11. Jeneyah Webb

Subs:

12. Shellby Wolstencroft (Goal 85 mins)
14. Abigail Hayes
15. Hanifa Douglas
16. Emma Massey

FC United of Manchester Women: 1 (1)

1. Chloe Ainsworth
17. Jess McCarrick
2. Fran Davies
3. Abbie Carrington
20. Kate O’Gara
4. Olivia Greenhalgh
8. Rebecca Foster (Goal 23 mins)
11. Kirsty Chambers (c)
6. Cara Fields
10. Hannah Dale
9. Jess Battle

Subs:

19. Gemma Jackson (GK)
14. Nicole Malpus
12. Shaunna Jein (On for No3 81 mins)
7. Corie Mather (On for No11 73 mins)
15. Aimee O’Keeffe (On for No20 57 mins)

Match stats from Paul Hinson (FC second column)

Goals: 4.....1
Shots on target: 7.....5
Shots off target: 6.....6
Completed passes: 182.....397
Possession: 31%.....69%

Venue: Stockport Sports Village, Lambeth Grove, Woodley, Stockport, SK6 1QX
Competition: NWWRL Premier Division
Attendance: 134

Report by Mikey Partington



First Posted ~ 12:46 Wed 31 Oct 2018
News ID ~ 8115
Last Updated ~ 16:00 Fri 19 Feb 2021