The latest from the CUFC Ladies fixtures
Thank you to team manager Tracy Gannon for our latest CUFC Ladies update.
Carlisle United Ladies 1 - 2 Stockport County Ladies
The ladies knew it was going to be a tough game but they were up for the fight against Stockport.
The game started with both teams pressing and United edged on top and took control of the game as they enjoyed most of the possession.
As in previous games United found that they couldn't capitalise by grabbing the all important first goal.
Stockport took advantage when they grabbed the lead as a free kick was awarded on the edge of the area. A good finish left United with a job to do.
Heads didn’t drop and Carlisle once again took control as they dominated the midfield areas and put Stockport on the back foot. Chance after chance came but the visiting keeper was in top form to keep the hosts at bay.
United were dealt a second blow when the Stockport winger sent a deep cross into the box. It looked to be going harmlessly over until it dipped and crept into the back of the net.
The 30-strong supporters were as bemused as the United players and coaches as the half time whistle went as United had easily enjoyed 95% of the first half possession
The Ladies came out in the second half still believing they could win the game and they kept the pressure on as they attacked in waves. They were finally rewarded for their efforts on 56 minutes when Chelsea Browbank found her way past the keeper.
The goal spurred the home side on even more but chance after chance came and went as the Stockport goal lived a charmed life. United hit the bar, found the side netting and watched the ball ricochet to safety off defenders as they battled to find the second goal they deserved.
Carlisle thought they’d levelled it up with five minutes left to play but the keeper somehow pulled off a superb save to deny the Cumbrians their point.
Manager Tracy Gannon said: “I couldn't have asked for more from the players. They gave everything right up to the final whistle. It’s hard to lose games when you know you've been the better team, but goals win games and we've been struggling on that side of things recently.
“We’re creating chances, which is great, and we now have to take that next step to finish them off. We’ve built a strong foundation and a team that wants to work hard for each other. We know things will start to come together because of that. We evaluate, we learn and we move on … but most of all we all believe."
Team - Edmondson, Ullyart (Martin), Adam, Mallin, McGimpsey, Simpson, Browbank, Hawkins, Comber (Smethurst), Dunn, Robinson (C).
Match Sponsor - Carlisle United Supporters Club London Branch
Man of the Match - Sharina Robinson
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Carlisle United Ladies 3 v 1 Accrington Ladies
Thanks to grounds man Dave Mitchell, and his team, United were able to host second placed Accrington at Creighton on Sunday.
The ladies knew they were in for another tough game but with a strong team bond and a huge amount of belief they where more than up for the challenge.
Accrington beat United convincingly at their place earlier in the season and it was possible that they were a little bit too complacent as they came here expecting the same thing to happen again.
United started brightly and took the game to Accrington, and that set the visitors on the back foot. Stanley are a strong, physical team but United weren't about to knocked off the ball by anyone.
The Ladies pressed and Accrington started to lose their shape as they came under more and more pressure. The Cumbrians got the reward for their efforts on 30 minutes with a very well worked counter attack. The ball was moved quickly through midfield to Faye Comber who calmly lost the last defender to slot the ball home.
Strong challenges followed but Carlisle gave as good as they got as they refused to be bullied. It was played at a frantic pace and United doubled their lead when Comber was put through by a lovely ball from the left flank. Browbank stepped up and stroked it into the back of the net.
Accrington saw more of the ball but their chances were limited until the 40th minute when United were caught napping for the first time in the game. It was a soft goal and a sharp reminder that the home side werent’t going to be allowed to take their foot off the peddle.
Carlisle spoke about the importance of keeping the pressure on during the break and the players were reminded it wasn’t a game for pretty football. It was more a battle of wills and pure grit and where the team needed to stick together.
The Blues responded to the team talk with a full blooded display and they closed down at every opportunity to increase the frustration levels for the visitors. Every Accrington attack was dealt with but United knew they still needed at least one more goal to see it through.
The moment came when Walker fed Ullyart on the left flank with a great ball. Harmison, who had worked tirelessly all day, was brought down as she cut inside 25 yards from goal. Browbank stepped up to take the free kick and curled an absolute beauty into the top right hand corner, leaving the keeper with no chance and the spectators in awe.
United closed ranks after that and gave nothing away to make sure of a very well earned three points.
Manager Tracy Gannon said: “Nobody deserved to win this game this game more than we did. The girls ran themselves into the ground and we said before the game that we needed to start creating our own luck. We did that today. They showed their strength of mind and body and everyone stood up and took responsibility. There are more tough games ahead but we know we have nothing to fear.”
Team - Edmondson, Ullyart (Smethurst), Adam, Mallin, McGimpsey, Browbank, Dunn (Martin), Comber (Ullyart), Dunn, Harmison, Robinson (C). Sub not used – Hawkins.
Match Sponsor – Personally sponsored by Jamie Grubb
Man of the Match - Philippa Harmison
