Ashley nets a double but lethargic Linnets are beaten by Stockport
Stockport County Development Ladies 3 Runcorn Linnets Ladies 2 RUNCORN Linnets Ladies threw away a two-lead on Sunday as Stockport Ladies Development enjoyed deserved success in the teams’ Cheshire Women’s League at Stockport Sports Village.
The visitors had raced ahead courtesy of a Lile Ashley double with the young striker also hitting a post as Runcorn looked quite comfortable in the opening half-hour.
The turning point was probably the 32nd minute of the game when Ashley turned her marker on the halfway line only to be cynically taken down by a home defender when clear to run at goal.
A yellow card was the least you would have expected but the referee’s only action was to award the free-kick to Runcorn.
The injured Ashley was replaced immediately by Mary Rossiter-Gurrell.
This seemed to leave the Runcorn side disjointed and galvanised Stockport, who began to enjoy their best period of the first half, pulling a goal back just before the break.
A mistake in the Runcorn penalty area led to the equaliser on 50 minutes as the home side piled on the pressure.
Stockport were by then looking a different team and well in the acendancy.
Twice the woodwork saved Runcorn before a frantic last few minutes saw the home goalkeeper save the returning Ashley’s goalbound shot when clean through.
The follow-up from teammate Kayleigh CatterallRowe looked destined for the net until the ball cannoned off a Stockport defender and away to safety.
Stockport won it at the end and no-one could really argue about the result.
Linnets were very lethargic on the day and did not give a true account of themselves whereas Stockport played some enterprising football at times. ●