Report by Ieuan Evans

West faced league leaders Curzon Ashton who were seeking their sixth consecutive win in the competition. Despite a few absences in the squad through new & ongoing injuries, West were up for the challenge as they looked to build on last week’s improved performance against Crewe.

Curzon started the game the better of the two sides, pressing high and moving the all quickly, while West struggled to settle and retain possession but continued to keep their opponents at bay. Half-chances were created on both sides however the momentum was with Curzon as they looked most likely to score in the opening 25min of the game. A stoppage in play to check on an injured Curzon player allowed West to regroup and when the game restarted, the team started to gain a foothold and went toe to toe with Curzon. In spite of the progress observed, a lapse in concentration by West was punished by Curzon in added time as they took a 1-0 lead into the second-half.

Curzon struck again at the start of the second-half to double their lead. West remained confident though and responded quickly to cut the deficit in half. Some excellent work down the left side saw Jami Hodges drive into the box with the ball at her feet but she was brought down before she could get her shot away. The referee judged it to be a penalty which Vicky Kerr expertly converted after a long delay. Both teams continued to vie for control but 15min later it was Curzon who doubled their lead once again. Megan Dickin did well to make the initial save but the Curzon forward latched onto the rebound first to put it into the back of the net. West felt hard done by the referee who awarded a drop-ball to Curzon in the build-up despite West laving possession when play was stopped, however the team did not react quickly enough and must take responsibility for conceding. West responded quickly once again through Isha Mundell, making her first league start of the season, who surprised everyone when she attempted a volley on the turn from 35 yards out. The shot travelled over and past the goalkeeper who had stepped forward and dipped under the bar for a goal of the season contender. West started taking more risks late into the game as they sought an equaliser but Curzon were the team to score once more and confirm their victory.

Overall Curzon were worthy winners as they continue their good run of form but West will feel disappointed in the certain elements of their performance. There were still positives however including several players completing 90min for the first time following lengthy absences and a strong performance by Isha Mundell leading from the front. Both teams face each other again in two weeks in the Manchester County Cup and West will be preparing themselves to reverse the outcome.

Team: Dickin (gk), Dolan, Blöchl, Vyas, Caddick, Bowett-Robinson, Kerr, Mundell, Hodges, Edmondson (c), Bracegirdle.

Sub: Simpson

Goals: Kerr, Mundell