Beresford’s late show stuns Mags
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL
A LATE brace by super sub Aimi Beresford saw Brighouse Town beat hosts Newcastle United 5-3 on the opening day of the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division One campaign.
The new-look Lady Mags side are hoping to bounce back from a miserable season last year, when they scored only 16 goals, won only twice in 20 matches and were relegated to Division One.
A bright opening saw Newcastle nearly take the lead after seven minutes, Steph Ord making a good run before shooting narrowly over the bar.
The breakthrough came two minutes later when another good run by Ord saw her cross brilliantly converted by Annece Legg.
However, Brighouse were back on level terms almost immediately courtesy of winger Charlotte Proud’s shot on the half volley from just inside the box.
Brighouse captain Jodie Redgrave went close to giving the visitors the lead, her shot hitting the bar, but after 21 minutes they were in front when midfielder Bridie Hannon chipped Toon goalkeeper Grace Donnelly.
A similar start to the second half saw the Lady Mags equalise seven minutes after the restart.
Stephanie Lyons, on her debut, calmly finished after a good run.
Kendell had another chance while Ord was denied by the Brighouse goalkeeper.
Newcastle went in front for a second time with 15 minutes left.
Ord was again involved, making a great run before crossing for substitute Megan McKenzie to tap in at the back post.
Yet again, though, the lead was short-lived as Lauren Doyle set up striker Redgrave to head in the equaliser.
Beresford, who had come on for Hannon earlier in the half, then shattered the hosts’ hopes of at least a point with two quick goals.
With five minutes remaining, left-back Hannah Poulter swung in a dangerous cross for Beresford to fire home.
Three minutes later Beresford latched on to a Redgrave through ball and powerfully despatched it past Donnelly and into the bottom left-hand corner.
Not the start to the campaign the Lady Mags were looking for and they have to wait until September 10 for their next league match, travelling to Merseyside to face Mossley Hill.