Ladies update from the Bury and Preston fixtures
Carlisle United Ladies 7 – 1 Bury Ladies
Sunday 1 March
This was the eagerly awaited return fixture against Bury and United were determined to right the result from the away game where the Shakers had taken a 3-1 victory.
The poor conditions kept both teams on their toes but United looked by far the more determined side and Bury had to deal with two goal line clearances as the home side attacked in waves.
They got their reward on 20 minutes when a Browbank corner caught in the wind. The keeper tried to judge but it flew over head and smashed into the corner of the net.
United's positive start shook Bury who seemed a little complacent and probably expecting an easier game. United doubled their lead in their next attack as they built impressively from the back. Robinson took it on and the keeper needed to make a block as she beat her defender and went for the bottom corner. Mallinson was first to the rebound and she made no mistake.
The Cumbrians started the second half as they had finished the first and their deserved third goal when Mallinson drilled a shot at the target. The unlucky defender succeeded only in diverting it into the roof of her own net as she tried to clear it.
Bury heads dropped and United turned the screw as the goals came thick and fast. Simpson bagged number four for the day when the Bury keeper got caught out at the front stick. It flew past her and that left the unmarked player with an easy tap in to complete.
McGimpsey made it five when she took it past the stopper and rolled it into the empty net. Browbank added to the Bury misery with the goal of the game when she cut in from wide and left two in her wake. She kept her eye on the ball and left the keeper with no chance as she rattled it into the top corner.
Browbank was rewarded with her hat-trick after playing a lovely one two with Robinson before clipping it over the advancing keeper.
Manager Tracy Gannon said: “It was a game the whole team were looking forward too as we knew we had under performed in the away fixture away. I'm pleased for the team as they were able to put it right. It’s also great to see goals on teamsheet as it lifts everyone.”
United - Edmondson, Martin, Adam, Mallin, Ullyart, Simpson (Hawkins), Robinson(c), Dunn, Browbank, McGimpsey, Mallinson (James).
Player of the Game - Gillian McGimpsey
Match Sponsors - CUSC London Branch - The Ladies would like to take this opportunity to thank the Carlisle United Supporters’ Club London Branch for their continued support.
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Carlisle United Ladies 1 – 1 Preston North End Ladies - North West League Cup
(United won 5-4 on pens)
Sunday 8 March
United were drawn against North West Premier Division Team Preston in the league cup third round and it was a game to look forward to against a team from a higher division.
It was a game where the Cumbrians had nothing to lose and it became a fierce battle all over the pitch with some great football on show. Preston started brightly but the United defence held strong and absorbed everything they had.
Carlisle played on the counter attack and but Preston also stayed tight in what was a nip and tuck game. Clear cut chances were at a premium but Preston grabbed the lead on 38 minutes when they caught the hosts light at the back.
United took the blow on the chin and went into the half time break in high spirits having played extremely well. A positive team talk was followed by an all action start to the second half and the home side grew in confidence as the game ticked on.
United were eventually rewarded for their hard work when Katie Simpson popped up to put finish a good move off from just inside the area.
Extra time followed and both sides, to their credit, pushed for the win without quite managing to find the vital breakthrough.
Volunteers were required and Martin did her job to slot home from the first spot kick. Edmondson put the pressure on the visitors when she guessed correctly and saved their first attempt, and Mallin added to the drama when she made it 2-0.
Smethurst and Adam added to Carlisle tally and with the spot kicks tied at 4-4 it was down to team captain Robinson to see if she could handle the pressure. After what felt like an eternity she approached the ball and sent Creighton wild when she drilled it past the keeper’s dive.
Manager Tracy Gannon said: “I’ve never been as exhausted watching a game of football as I have today.
“It has to be the best game the girls have ever played. Every unit worked hard and every player did their bit, for the whole game. The penalties were first class and all five were unbelievably clinical.
“I’m proud of everyone for the effort they showed and they should be extremely porud of themselves. The Preston manager was really complimentary about the way we battled and played and it was a great day for everyone connected with Carlisle United.” '
United - Edmondson, Martin, Adam, Mallin, Ullyart, Simpson (Harmison), Robinson(c), Dunn, McGimpsey, Logie (Ullyart), Smethurst.
Player of the Game - Katie Simpson
Match - This game and win is dedicated with special thanks to stadium manager Dave Mitchell for all his hard work and support.
