West Didsbury & Chorlton Women’s Development Squad started their GMWFL Division 2 campaign with a 3-1 win over visitors AFC Oldham at the Recreation Ground.  In what was a historical day for the home side, with both teams making their debut in the competition, nerves were evident in the early exchanges with neither side really getting to grips with play.

Rachel Myers became the first player to register a goal for the ‘Devs’ shortly before the half hour mark. After some good pressure to win the ball back in the opposition half, Jess Hartley managed to slide the ball through to Myers who made no mistake at the goalkeepers near post from 8 yards.  The lead was short lived however, as West failed the clear a corner completely and the ball was returned through defensive bodies before rolling into the bottom corner.

West managed to gain a foothold in the remaining 10 minutes of the half, and some patient build up play led to Maya Germain delivering the ball in across the penalty area from left.  A missed touch from Myers fell perfectly for Leigh McFadyen, and the skipper took the ball in her stride and slotted the ball under the keeper 5 minutes before half time, giving the home side the advantage at the whistle.

Alisha Palmer and Abbi Cole replaced Rachel Myers and Jess Hartley at the break, and Alisha had the misfortune of having a penalty saved after a contentious decision early on in the second half.  Just 10 minutes later, West missed their second penalty of the afternoon as Stephanie Ambo hit the woodwork after Rachel Myers was brought down by the AFC Oldham goalkeeper.

Abbie Cole wrapped the game up with a tidy finish just after the hour mark, sustained pressure from the home side led to a defence splitting pass from Hartley, and Cole managed to prod home and put the game to bed.

The AFC Oldham goalkeeper pulled off a catalogue of saves late on in the game to keep the score 3-1 and put in an impressive performance throughout.  It was a solid start for West against a resilient AFC Oldham, the ‘Devs’ move on to play Tameside United away on the 23rd September.