The Fightback Starts Here!
After a disappointing narrow defeat to Hartlepool last week, it was vital that Town Ladies returned from Sunday’s fixture against Ossett with three points, no easy task given both teams had shared the spoils in a 2-2 thriller earlier in the season at The CNG Stadium.
Town were without a number of key players, indeed neither of Town's twin spearhead up front, Lindsey Whitton or Sophie Tinson were to take a meaningful part in the fixture.
On a wind and rain swept surface Town Ladies opted to kick uphill and into the strong wind in the 1st half.
The back five were in indomitable form, restricting Ossett to just a handful of chances. A particular mention to Kelly Jackson-Powell who combined her position as goalkeeper, alongside an outstanding performance as defensive sweeper.
Becky Wilson, Georgia Marsden, Grace Foyer and Rachael McDonald performed heroics and were in outstanding form, restricting Ossett to few shots on goal and zero free kicks.
In midfield, Beth Davies and Grace Adams created a number of chances with there incisive passing, whilst Em Crispin and Beth Clayton were always prepared to work hard to regain possession from a busy Ossett midfield.
Town went into the break at 0-0 and would take the lead early in the second half when Beth Jennings headed a well taken Rosie Gill corner into the goal area, and Foyer was on hand to volley the ball into the net.
This spurred Ossett into action, and after a number of dangerous crosses into the Town area they equalised with a well taken volley from eight yards out.
It then became something of a war of attrition with Town well aware that only victory would suffice. Ossett defended well, and Town were on the wrong end of a number of tight offside calls before the difficult conditions would play a part.
A fairly innocuous cross into the area reared up at the Ossett defender, hitting her on the arm and the referee pointed immediately to the spot. Nervy moment then for Town, but Cometh the moment and Cometh Foyer who strode up from defence, placed the ball on the spot and drove the ball, with immense power, into the roof of the net.
Victory leaves Town at the NERWFL Premier League summit, two points clear of second place Wallsend. The full table can be seen via the below link.
League Table
Particularly given the circumstances, great team performance and Town laying to rest last seasons disappointing form away from the CNG. Mention should go to Jennings and Gill who performed with great credit with Towns two key goal scorers unavailable.
Foyer was awarded the Player of the Match.
The only down side was a knee injury to Hollie Smith which required hospital attention, but the news later in the evening suggested she will be back before too long.
Next Sunday sees Town Ladies return to Ossett for the WRCC Fixture, followed by two crucial away fixtures at Redcar and South Shields where Town have to look for maximum points.