Midweek win relieves pressure
Having been beaten by Kendal in the County Cup semi final, by an own goal, United were keen to restore some balance in the league, Tracy Gannon reports.
United lined up with a 3-5-2 formation and started brightly, creating chances in the opening fifteen minutes through Jenna Ullyart and Phillipa Harmison.
United contained the visitors and limited them to very few shots. United's defence stood strong and cleared up everything that come through which frustrated Kendal and spoiled their plans.
United had been working on defending set pieces and corners, as this had been their undoing in a few games this season, and they knew it was a strong part of Kendal's game.
Mallin, Walker and Martin held strong and, with an in-form Edmondson in goal, the defence led from the back as they soaked up everything Kendal put their way.
The game was fair but physical and United were down to 10-men when Robinson was taken off for treatment after a 50−50 challenge.
The United wingers continued to work hard to relieve the pressure from midfield as United's captain received treatment off the pitch.
They worked hard to create openings which the Kendal defence struggled to handle and, on 40 minutes, a creative run and drive into the box from Browbank was too much for the Kendal defender who chopped her to the floor.
Unfortunately Browbank sustained an injury in the tackle which resulted in her having to be substituted. Mallinson stepped up but was disappointed when her effort went over the bar.
Kendal started well after the break but United coped and their hard work paid off on 55 minutes when they won a corner. A goal mouth scramble followed and Ullyart reacted quickly to put the ball into the roof of the net
Carlisle continued to press and a lovely through-ball from midfield put Harmison on the attack. A drop of the shoulder took her marker out of the game and she then rounded the keeper to slot the ball home from just 12 yards out.
United were now in control, but never complacent, and fresh legs were introduced when Brennan came on for Martin, who was struggling with a tight hamstring.
United took a blow when a Kendal counter attacked to pull one back when Smith tried to get to a high, bouncing ball. She caught it on the stretch but her touch took the ball over over Edmondson and into the back of the net.
Carlisle showed a determination not to cave in and they created a string of good chances as they took the game to their opponents.
Kendal continued to press but they were unable to take advantage as the resilient Edmondson made two excellent saves in the last 10 minutes.
A good match saw United work hard and gain a well deserved win.
United: Edmondson, Smith, Mallin, Adam, Browbank, (Ryan) Robinson, Harmison, Walker, Martin (Brennan), Mallinson, Ullyart.
Many thanks to match sponsor Andy Brown.
If you are interested in sponsoring a Ladies fixture then please contact Tracy on 07979 753 040.
