United lose out in tough conditions
United travelled to Leigh to play only their second fixture in nine weeks following the recent bad weather across the North West,writes Richard Mallinson.
The home side started the brighter of the two sides and were assisted by a strong wind at Leigh Sports Village. It looked as if the hosts would take the lead in the opening ten minutes but some last gasp defending and a couple of good saves from United keeper Rosy Ryan meant that the game remained goalless.
United settled into the game and created a couple of openings, Chelsie Browbank was unlucky not to give United the lead on 30 minutes.
The United defenders demonstrated some excellent tackling to prevent Leigh from taking the lead; United battled well against both Leigh and the strong wind and managed to get through the first half unscathed with the score remaining 0-0.
The second half began and United set out to use the best of the wind advantage however the weather conditions became calmer and the wind died down. United had a good opportunity on 50 minutes however Kerri Mallinson’s shot was blocked by a Leigh defender.
United were undone against the run of play on 60 minutes when Leigh struck; two minutes later United were 2-0 down following a series of corners. The flurry continued and the home side scored another on 70 minutes capitalising on the panic in the United ranks.
United were rocked but this gave them the chance to make a couple of changes and the spirit shone through as United broke, Browbank was released and took on two players before finishing smartly from 20 yards to reduce the arrears.
Sixty seconds later, United broke again and Browbank crossed from the right and Jenna Ullyart superbly volleyed into the bottom corner to make the score 3-2. United continued to press but they couldn’t find an equaliser. This was the second close encounter that United and Leigh have shared this season.
Next week, United are in County Cup action as they face Newlaithes Ladies.
United: Ryan, Smith, Owen (Coupland), Mallin, McGimpsey, Adam, Kelly, Mallinson (Brennan), Robinson, Browbank, Ullyart. Sub (Not Used): Gannon.
