An update from the Ladies team
As 2014 draws to a close the ladies' last two games of this year brought a little bit of joy to take forward into the New Year. Thanks to Tracy Gannon for this update.Carlisle United Ladies 3 - 2 Workington Ladies
The ladies were in action in the Argyle Sport League Cup against Workington at home last week and they were given a tough test in what was a very good game to watch.
Workington started well as the Blues struggled to get to the pace of the game in the early exchanges. United looked disjointed as they continually conceded possession but they started to find their feet as the half wore on, and they went close on 20 minutes when a good move ended with a shot just past the upright.
The Reds continued to shade it and sloppy defending handed them the lead when they sent players forward and found the back of the net.
United responded well to the blow and their sudden increase in pressure earned them an equaliser on the stroke of half time when Faye Comber pounced to beat the keeper in style.
A poor overall first half display brought some stern words during the break and that did the trick with a more positive attacking display on show. Workington sensed weaknesses at the back, though, and the game remained in the balance with both sides looking to edge in front at every opportunity.
And it was the visitors who landed the next punch when poor marking gave them the time and space they needed to get themselves back in front.
A double substitution worked wonders for Carlisle as they started to assert some authority and the renewed pressure paid off when good combination play on the right, with just six minutes left to go, left Chelsea Browbank with the time she needed to level the scores.
A double substitution worked wonders for Carlisle as they started to assert some authority and the renewed pressure paid off when good combination play on the right, with just six minutes left to go, left Chelsea Browbank with the time she needed to level the scores.
The Blues finished the game well on top and, with extra time looming, they grabbed the winner when Lorrena Walker slotted the ball past the keeper.
United shut up shop through the closing stages to claim their place in the next round against AFC Urmston [tie to be played Sunday 8 February].
United manager Tracy Gannon said: "A poor start made it harder than it should have been. We need to work on coming out of the blocks quicker and taking the game to the opposition.
"It's frustrating coming off the back of such a good game against Accrington, where we worked tirelessly and battled for the whole game. There is lots still to work on but we are moving in the right direction.
"The positive is the way we have learned never to stop playing and always believe you can win, until the final whistle blows. Today proved that."
Team - Edmondson, Ullyart (Martin), Adam (Mallin), McGimpsey, Simpson, Browbank, Comber (Smethurst), Walker, Harmison, Robinson (C), Dunn.
Man of the Match - Philippa Harmison.
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Carlisle United Ladies 2 - 2 Workington Ladies
It was back to league action following the cup meeting between these teams, but it was always going to difficult as the weather took a poor turn with driving rain and heavy winds the order of the day.
It was a better start from United as they tried to build up the early pressure but, as expected, the wind had a huge affect as the ball ran long and became difficult to control.
However, Browbank used the conditions to her advantage on 8 minutes when a whipped corner curled over the front post markers and dipped late to angle under the bar.
United shut up shop through the closing stages to claim their place in the next round against AFC Urmston [tie to be played Sunday 8 February].
United manager Tracy Gannon said: "A poor start made it harder than it should have been. We need to work on coming out of the blocks quicker and taking the game to the opposition.
"It's frustrating coming off the back of such a good game against Accrington, where we worked tirelessly and battled for the whole game. There is lots still to work on but we are moving in the right direction.
"The positive is the way we have learned never to stop playing and always believe you can win, until the final whistle blows. Today proved that."
Team - Edmondson, Ullyart (Martin), Adam (Mallin), McGimpsey, Simpson, Browbank, Comber (Smethurst), Walker, Harmison, Robinson (C), Dunn.
Man of the Match - Philippa Harmison.
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Carlisle United Ladies 2 - 2 Workington Ladies
It was back to league action following the cup meeting between these teams, but it was always going to difficult as the weather took a poor turn with driving rain and heavy winds the order of the day.
It was a better start from United as they tried to build up the early pressure but, as expected, the wind had a huge affect as the ball ran long and became difficult to control.
However, Browbank used the conditions to her advantage on 8 minutes when a whipped corner curled over the front post markers and dipped late to angle under the bar.
The shots rained in from the Blues and Robinson went close on 15 minutes when she drew the stopper and sent a decent effort across the face of goal.
Workington equalised against the run of play when they caught the hosts napping on 35 minutes. Poor communication left gaping holes to be exploited and the Reds didn't need to be asked twice.
Carlisle kicked into the wind for the second half and chances came and went for both sides despite the ever-worsening conditions.
Carlisle kicked into the wind for the second half and chances came and went for both sides despite the ever-worsening conditions.
Set pieces were always going to cause danger and United edged back in front when Browbank sent a lovely 25 yard free kick into the box. Harmison rose highest and thundered an excellent header into the bottom of the net.
It became end to end and Workington drew level again when Carlisle failed to clear their lines from another dangerous corner.
United Manager Tracy Gannon said: "We wanted to finish the year with all three points but it wasn't to be. Their keeper was their best player and she kept them in the game. We worked hard but it just wasn't meant to be.
"We need to be more clinical as we aren't finishing as many chances as we should be. Disappointingly we have a few weeks off now, which is good for those who have knocks or are injured, but it does set you back bit on fitness and sharpness when we start back in the New Year."
Team - Edmondson, Ullyart, Martin (James), McGimpsey, Simpson, Browbank, Comber (Walker), Smethurst, Harmison, Robinson(C), Dunn. Subs - Adam, Mallin.
Man of the Match - Jazz Dunn
Match Sponsor - System People
Carlisle United Ladies would like to thank everyone for their support and sponsorship this year and wish everyone a Happy New Year.
It became end to end and Workington drew level again when Carlisle failed to clear their lines from another dangerous corner.
United Manager Tracy Gannon said: "We wanted to finish the year with all three points but it wasn't to be. Their keeper was their best player and she kept them in the game. We worked hard but it just wasn't meant to be.
"We need to be more clinical as we aren't finishing as many chances as we should be. Disappointingly we have a few weeks off now, which is good for those who have knocks or are injured, but it does set you back bit on fitness and sharpness when we start back in the New Year."
Team - Edmondson, Ullyart, Martin (James), McGimpsey, Simpson, Browbank, Comber (Walker), Smethurst, Harmison, Robinson(C), Dunn. Subs - Adam, Mallin.
Man of the Match - Jazz Dunn
Match Sponsor - System People
Carlisle United Ladies would like to thank everyone for their support and sponsorship this year and wish everyone a Happy New Year.
