Sunday 27 October 2024
Alliance Design & Print Cup
Second Round

Darwen Ladies 2
Greenhalgh (16, 79)
West Women 1
Bergin (6)

West line-up:
1 Dickin, 3 Soñes Devally, 5 Mason, 6 Simpson (12 Hart, 67 mins), 8 Henderson, 9 Bergin, 10 Davies (20 Etheridge, 60 mins), 15 Bracegirdle, 18 Simons, 19 Brown (6 Simpson, 86 mins),
23 Irving (7 Bradshaw, 75 mins)

West headed to face an unbeaten Darwen in The Alliance Design & Print Cup with a team missing a number of key players through injury, and the hosts came into the game in fine form with seven wins from seven league games.

Darwen moved the ball well in the early stages but didn’t carry a threat for the West defenders being marshalled by Captain Rachel Mason on her 100th West appearance. Then, an early chance came in the fourth minute a Kye Brown cross was met by Becca Simpson at the back post with a firm header that went narrowly wide.

West didn’t have to wait long though for the opener as two minutes later Avilla Bergin closed the Darwen keeper down and the ricochet fell to Bergin to apply the finishing touch into the empty net.

The game was very competitive, and West seemed to be on the wrong end of some of the decisions by the referee. However, they didn’t let this affect them (too much) and continued to defend well and counter at pace.

Darwen equalised somewhat fortunately as a cross was deflected off a West defender and it spun agonisingly out of the reach of Megan Dickin on her 50th club appearance.

Bergin had a great chance shortly afterwards but shot narrowly over from just inside the box. Dickin was then called in to action to make a full length save as she pushed a dangerous shot around the post as it had dipped just in front of her.

No changes for West at half time and but for a great save from the Darwen goalkeeper from Bergin West would’ve regained the lead right at the start of the half. Shortly afterwards Sophie Bracegirdle unleashed a rocket of a shot from 35 yards that beat the keeper comfortably but just went over the bar.

Half chances came and went for both sides but neither side could take them, before West introduced 16 year old Aisling Hart for her first team debut having impressed with the Reserves, while Holly Bradshaw and Josie Etheridge also entered the play.West would now have 5 players u18 on the pitch competing toe to toe with a team boasting five former Championship players.

With 10 minutes remaining Darwen took the lead as Sarah Greenhalgh followed in on a save/scramble to score from close to the line. This would be her last goal for Darwen before she relocates to Australia.

Simpson rejoined play shortly after in place of Kye Brown, as West pushed hard for the equaliser and were robbed of an opportunity to equalise by a rather dubious off side call with Bracegirdle being played in by a lovely ball between the left centre back and left back by Chloe Henderson.

The last act of the game saw Darwen hit the bar with all of the West outfield players applying intense pressure on the Darwen defence.

Your ShinDigger Beer Player of the Match: Chloe Henderson chosen by Supporter of the Match Rachel

Chloe is sponsored by West Lancs Tailors

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Browse through our wonderful match galleries, from club photographers:
Nathan Ashmall, Chris Michell, Jack Todd and Christina Bowett.