With the obvious exception of the result, it was a great day at the Step Places as the West  non-league dog day was for the first time held at a women’s match. A great turnout and lots of very good four-legged boys and girls.

The game itself was a pretty good summary of our season. Some good football, a disappointing result, and sadly due to injuries and unavailability, very limited options to change the course of events.

West had a really bright start, forcing a good save in only the 3rd minute. Unfortunately, the ball went straight up the other end from the resulting corner, and Salford scored from a corner of their own.

We played some excellent football and created a number of chances. Biff shooting over from distance and going very close with a free-kick, Shortz heading against the post, and the Salford keeper just about dealing with a tricky corner. Defensively we also looked strong, Sophie Bracegirdle in particular.

The tide turned on 38 minutes when a penalty was awarded to Salford for a foul that looked to be just outside the area. Claire got a hand to it, but it was in and 0-2 at the break.

H replaced Ellie at half-time and had our first chance of the half, hitting the outside of the post with a shot. Things were pretty even and no clear chances for some while. Ellie was back on, replacing Isha on 63 minutes.

On 68 minutes, Biff saw an effort blocked, Salford caught us on the break and had their third of the afternoon.

West did get one back with 15 minutes to go. Excellent work by Ellie Caddick to burst into the box, finding Taylor whose touch across in turn found H whose shot gave the keeper no chance. 1-3.

An excellent goal-line clearance by Leah Dolan on 81 minutes, but Salford weren’t to be denied again, their 4th going in on 88 minutes.

Team: Jefferson (GK), Caddick (Mitchell 45’), Mason, Bracegirdle, Dolan, Bowett-Robinson, Edmondson (c), Livesey, Mundell (Caddick 63’), Sumner, Gunn

Scorer: Mitchell

Player of the Match: Bracegirdle