Consett making the case for the defence
A SOLID defensive display saw second-placed Consett keep the pressure on the league leaders, securing a 2-1 victory at Blyth.
The hosts enjoyed all the possession but were limited to long-range efforts, unable to break down a stubborn defence.
The visitors managed only two shots in the first 45 minutes – but converted both their chances to go in at the break 2-0 up.
Stephanie Curry gave the visitors the lead, latching on to a throughball by Olivia Bruce, who calmly slid the ball home under Karen Tunmore.
Eight minutes before the interval, Nicole McEvoy sent in a teasing cross which Beth Wilson reacted quickest to, sliding in ahead of the goalkeeper and defender to finish.
It was a similar story in the second period but 20 minutes in Blyth did breach the back line when Codie Nichols played in Leanne Anderson to halve the deficit.
Tempers started to flare up, the referee showing yellow cards to Carolanne Hughes and Amy Wharton, while Jade Anderson was booked for Blyth.
Blyth spurned a glorious chance to equalise when a good run by Jade Anderson saw her square the ball across the six-yard line to Lauren Robson but failed to make contact – her air kick allowing the defence to clear.
Sarah Burn tried a curler from the edge of the box before Jade Anderson’s 18-yard shot was saved by the goalkeeper.
Counter-attacks saw Consett spurn two chances in the last five minutes as Blyth pushed forward searching for the elusive equaliser.
Unbeaten league leaders South Shields keep their one-point lead at the top after securing a 2-0 victory at Cramlington United.
The visitors took the lead after 33 minutes when Sophie Halliday ran down the wing, beat her defender and fired in a low cross.
Goalkeeper Brooke Hayward palmed the ball away – but into the path of Paige Lester, following up six yards out.
Hayward was kept busy, producing numerous saves to deny the leaders a second.
However, with four minutes remaining, roles were reversed as Lester pulled the ball back into the box where Halliday slotted home.
South Shields remain a point clear of Consett at the halfway stage of the season – but Consett have played an extra game than the other teams.
Boro Rangers and Boldon CA Villa are five points behind, York RI a point further adrift.
Prudhoe Town earned a point, despite having only nine players, with a 2-2 draw at York RI.
Tahilla Ndhlovu gave the hosts a 1-0 lead at the break but Nikita Butcher grabbed an equaliser.
York again went in front through Jodie Langstaff but Catherine Johnston levelled on 81 minutes.