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Match Report | Tranmere 0-2 West Women – West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC

Match Report | Tranmere 0-2 West Women

Match Report by Ieuan Evans – Head Coach

A month had passed since West’s previous league fixture and the team was looking to replicate the performance that saw them beat Blackburn CSC 5-2 at that time. Having drawn 2-2 at The Step Places Stadium earlier in the season, we were expecting a competitive game against a Tranmere side boasting a 100% record at home this season.

The opening stages of the game were played at a quick pace with each team seeking an early goal but struggling to take full control. It would be West however who took the initiative in the 16th minute. The referee awarded a penalty after Donna McAvoy turned past her opponent and was brought down, which Taylor Gunn expertly converted via the bottom left corner to give us the lead.

Our second goal followed only a few minutes later when a good spell of possession by West reached Sophie Bracegirdle in the box with an opportunity to shoot. The Tranmere goalkeeper saved the shot but could only palm the ball into the path of Taylor Gunn, who reacted quickly to score her 15th goal in all competitions this season and give us an established foothold in the game.

Following the two goals, West grew in confidence and created further opportunities to score a third before half-time but couldn’t convert. Tranmere were largely kept away from West’s box but reminded us they still posed a threat with two shots from distance hitting the crossbar late into the 1st half. The score at half-time would remain 2-0.

Tranmere started the 2nd half the better of the two teams, keeping possession and applying pressure on West, but struggled to break through and create a clear goal-scoring opportunity. West were mostly being reduced to counter-attacks but remained disciplined and were successfully keeping Tranmere away from their box.

As time went on the game started opening up as Tranmere chased a goal, with both team creating chances to score. West managed to hit the opposition crossbar, but it was Tranmere who had the best chance of the 2nd half late on when Claire Jefferson spilled a Tranmere free-kick into the path of an opposition player following an awkward bounce. Fortunately for West the player narrowly missed, hitting the post to preserve our first clean sheet in the league since the opening fixture this season.

The result reflected a brilliant team performance against strong opposition and sees West pick up a crucial 3pts as we look to chase the teams currently above us in the league table.