Steph hits a double in draw
Oxton Ladies II 3 Runcorn Ladies I 3 ON a cold Saturday afternoon, Runcorn Ladies’ first XI travelled to third-placed Oxton seconds to try to cement their place in second spot whilst closing the gap on leaders Wilmslow.
Runcorn got off to a great start and took an early lead when Steph Woodstock found the back of the net through a crowded penalty circle.
The visitors continued to attack but were unable to add to their lead. ●
Oxton were quick on the break and equalised when Runcorn lost possession in their attacking half. And the hosts then took the lead when Runcorn’s defence were unable to clear their circle.
Runcorn finished the first half perfectly when Karen Jones unmarked at the far post finished from close-range to make it 2-2 with all to play for in the second half.
The second period began similar to the first with Runcorn creating early goalscoring chances.
Woodstock took one of these to double her tally and put Runcorn into a deserved lead.
Oxton looked very dangerous on the break and it if was not for Alex Bradshaw, Mary Hatton, Gill Peacock and Paula Evans, they would have equalised shortly after Runcorn’s go-ahead goal.
The pressure, however, took its toll and parity was restored once more when Oxton scored from the edge of the circle.
Runcorn pressed to try and find the winning goal but Oxton defended bravely and the game finished all-square.
Player-of-the-match honours went to Alex Bradshaw for her brilliant defending whilst Runcorn were under pressure.