by Jeff King (With A Massive Nod To Mark Goldsborough!)
North East Regional Women's Northern Division - Sunday 16th February 2024 Chester-le-Street United 1 v 4 Thornaby
Going into Sunday's clash at The Riverside United's Women knew they had a tough task on their hands against League leaders Thornaby and at the end of the game so it proved.
On the face of it a 4 - 1 home defeat does not look like a good result but for long periods of this game United matched their opponents and put in a very solid and respectable shift all afternoon.
However the final analysis shows Thornaby still top of the table with an undefeated record of 11 wins and 3 draws from 14 games whilst United are in fourth 8 wins 2 draws and 4 losses from their 14 games.
The first half between the two sides proved to be a tight and competitive contest, with both teams battling hard in an evenly matched encounter.
Chester-Le-Street United came close to breaking the deadlock when Megan Hay found herself with a good opportunity, but he was unable to convert from fairly close range.
At the other end, goalkeeper Phillipa Hunter produced an excellent close-range save to keep Thornaby at bay, showcasing her sharp reflexes under pressure.
The breakthrough, however, came for Thornaby from the penalty spot. A mistimed tackle from Libby Morton inside the box left the referee with no choice but to point to the spot.
Thornaby made no mistake, confidently dispatching the penalty to take the lead heading into the break.
The second half was an intense physical battle, with both sides showing determination and resilience. Thornaby doubled their advantage early in the half with a well-taken near-post finish, making it 2-0.
The visitors continued to press forward and soon extended their lead to 3-0 with a close-range effort, though there was some dispute that goal appeared to be offside.
Chester Le Street United responded with a moment of brilliance when Lily West struck a superb 20-yard effort, reducing the deficit to 3-1 with her 19th goal of the season.
The home side had a golden opportunity to apply further pressure when they were awarded a penalty, but they failed to convert, missing the chance to make it 3-2.
Instead, it was Thornaby who capitalised on another penalty of their own, dispatching it confidently to secure a 4-1 victory and put the game beyond doubt.
Despite a spirited effort from Chester Le Street, Thornaby’s clinical finishing and physicality proved too much to handle in a hard-fought contest.
TEAM : 1. Phillipa Hunter 2. Shakila Khalaghe 3. Charlotte Conn 4. Casey Graham 5. Olivia Miller 6. Libby Morton 7. Megan Graham 8. Ruby Oxburgh 9. Lily West 10. Megan Hay 11. Fran Lambert
SUBS : 12. Poppy Alderson (for Hay 49 mins) 14. Lucy Purvis (for Lambert 79 mins) 15. Louise Muncaster (for Graham 73 mins)
SCORER : West 65 mins
PLAYER of the MATCH : Lily West
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