Dale Women secure place in last four
FOLLOWING a six-goal thriller, Dale Women were 3-2 winners in a penalty shootout against Atherton Laburnum Rovers Ladies on Sunday in the quarter-final of the Lancashire FA Women’s Challenge Cup.
Shannon Gill scored twice for Dale, whilst Emma Flynn sent a free-kick into the top corner to give Dale their three goals in normal time. Despite Lee Atkinson’s side’s performance, Atherton matched their energy levels and efforts and took the Dale Women to a penalty shootout.
The Dale Women’s Manager talked us through the tie: “We went into the game with a depleted squad due to injuries and cup ties,” started Atkinson.
“We also had players playing through illness, as well a couple who were carrying knocks.
“After last week’s disappointing result, we knew that Sunday would require everything from us to get a result. Thankfully, that’s exactly what we got.
“In the first-half, it was an even game, with not many chances for either team. The first real breakthrough came via Shannon Gill, who made no mistake and put us ahead.
“Unfortunately, the game came to a stop with three minutes to play before the half-time whistle, as our keeper Leah took a heavy knock to her head, which forced her off the pitch following a very strong first-half showing.
“We are wishing Leah a speedy recovery, and we hope that she’s not out for too long.
“The second-half was very different. Atherton got ahold of the game and were playing very good football, and despite our best efforts in defending away a number of chances, the equaliser came following a mistake at the back, leading to an own goal.
“We reacted quickly though, as Shannon netted again shortly after the equaliser to put us back ahead.
“Atherton then got to grips with the game again and kept the ball for long spells, forcing us to go long. Unfortunately, the visitors equalised again following another mistake at the back.
“We then got back on the front foot and were unlucky not to get a penalty after Shannon was taken down in the penalty area.
“Shortly after, we won a free-kick on the edge of the box. Emma Flynn stepped up and superbly fired the ball into the top corner to make it 3-2.
“It looked like we were going to hold on.
However, Atherton always looked like a threat when going forward.
“With just two minutes to go, Atherton equalised again, sending the game to penalties.
“Emily Salt, who came on to replace Leah in goal, deserves praise too as she made two excellent one-on-one saves late on in the game.
“We won the coin toss, and Emma stepped up and fired the ball into the back of the net.
“Atherton scored their first spot-kick with both sides then missing their second kicks.
“Our skipper, Brooke Strudwick, then scored with Atherton also hitting the back of the net.
“We both then missed our next penalties again, keeping the shootout at 2-2.
“Alicia Barnett slotted home Dale’s third of the shootout, putting all of the pressure on Atherton, who fired their effort over the bar, sending Dale into the semi-finals of the cup.
“That’s now two semi-finals in our first season!
“I’m honestly so incredibly proud of all the players. We massively stepped up today, and it wasn’t our best footballing performance, but we played effective football and were confident in everything we did.
“Massive credit to Atherton for forcing us to play that way. But we learnt to adapt and how to play a different way today to get the result.
“This is a huge step for us.
“We’re hoping to have a few players back next week, and we have just signed two very good players that have played for me previously.
“I know that those additions will enhance the squad. Hopefully, they will be eligible for our next league game, which is an away trip to West
Didsbury on Sunday.”
Dale Women are back in action on Sunday as they return to league action against West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC Women’s Reserves.