United’s impressive Adobe Women’s FA Cup run came to an end at the hands of local side Penrith AFC.
Carlisle were beaten by an experienced Penrith side on Sunday at Creighton, butcan be proud of their efforts in the illustrious cup competition after reaching the Second Qualifying Round.
Four goals in 23 first-half minutes from the visitors fired them into an unassailable position despite a determined second-half display from United.
The Blues nearly got off to the perfect start in CA1, with Phoebe Langan’s pinpoint through ball finding the run of Katie Barbour, who steadied herself in front of goal before attempting to lob the Penrith ‘keeper, but her dipping shot narrowly crept over the bar.
After early momentum from United, the visitors settled into the contest and dictated the play for the remainder of the opening period. Penrith went close to opening the scoring on 14 minutes, with Mason hitting the outside of the post from close range.
Penrith put themselves ahead on 20 minutes, when Mallinson’s effort trickled over the line, after a scramble in the United area.
The Penrith striker proceeded to add the remaining three goals in the first half, which put her side in a dominant position. Her second of the afternoon arrived on 27 minutes, when she was on hand to force the ball into the back of the net on the goal line.
She completed her hat-trick on 32 minutes with another finish inside United’s area, after intricate play down their left-hand side.
The effort of Tracy Gannon’s side could never be questioned, but they were up against a Penrith side with experience and nous.
Penrith extended their lead to four just two minutes before the interval, with Mallinson on hand again to put the ball into the bottom left corner from inside the area.
HALF-TIME: Carlisle United 0-4 Penrith AFC
It would have been easy for a young United side to lose heart, but their second-half performance demonstrated why this was only their first defeat of the season.
Carlisle’s defence stood firm in the second period with their impressive high line catching the Penrith frontline offside on multiple occasions.
Bessie Best went close from distance on 63 minutes, her curling right-footed shot tested the visitors’ keeper.
Carlisle looked the more likely to score in the second half. On 67 minutes, Emma Blenkinship cut inside finding space with ease, and her curling effort was well saved by the Penrith keeper.
The visitors added to their lead on 75 minutes, when a low-driven effort from winger Mason found the bottom corner of United’s goal.
The Cumbrians nearly managed to accumulate the goal that their second-half display deserved on 86 minutes, when Blenkinship and Best were in the action again. Blenkinship’s floated delivery from the right found the head of Best, but her header was saved.
A disappointing defeat for United, but a second-half performance that can inspire belief and prove that they can compete in their upcoming Lancashire Women’s County League campaign.
FULL-TIME: Carlisle United 0-5 Penrith AFC
United: Norris, Beal, Reekie (Mitchell 37’), Best, Matthews, Nixon, Winter (Scott 88’), Bland (McMillan 50’), Blenkinship ©, Barbour (Murray 57’), Langan.
Subs: Stainton, Cleasby.
Goals
United: N/A
Penrith AFC: (Mallinson 20’, 27’, 32’, 43’), Mason (75’)
