Women’s football at West took another step forward this weekend as the development squad took to the field for the first time.  Blended with a mixture of experience and youth the side who will be based in Division Two of the Greater Manchester Women’s Football League welcomed newly promoted NWWRFL side Wythenshawe Amateurs to Brookburn Road.

An evenly matched first half in sweltering conditions despite the 11am KO meant saw the Ams take the lead just before half time. Three quick goals in the second half saw the visitors confirm their two division higher status but West didn’t give up and they finished the game strongly with 16-year-old Olivia Riley poking home to finish off a fine West move and to record the teams first ever goal.

On Sunday afternoon West welcomed NWWRFL Premier Division Champions Merseyrail in what could have potentially been a dress rehearsal for a potential Women’s FA Cup meeting in September. Despite several absentees, including losing Vicky Wilman to injury in the warm up and Captain Shauna Edmondson in the opening stages of the game, West registered one of their best performances in pre-season to date.  They led at the break thanks to El Powles free kick from 25 yards out with the central defender scoring her first West goal since her summer move from Manchester Stingers.

The second half saw both sides create a host of chances with West failing to extend their lead whilst also needing to be grateful for stand-in goalkeeper Nat Callaghan who twice denied Merseyrail with important saves to hand West their second win of pre-season.

The development squads next game will see them take on GMWFL side Rochdale this Wednesday at Brookburn Road, 7pm KO before taking on AFC Urmston Meadowside on Sunday, 11am KO.

The women’s team will return to action next Sunday when they welcome Blackburn Community, 2:30pm KO.