Page 18 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.29 2022-23

as Chester-le-Street Utd won 4-3 against Gateshead FC Ladies to move above them in
the table, whilst a second half equaliser from Esther Wakefield earned Guisborough Town
only their second point of the season when drawing 1-1 with Thornaby Ladies, who had
taken the lead through Abbey Loughran.
Barnsley FC Ladies netted six times without reply past York RI to move themselves
ever closer towards the Southern Division title. Jodie Gregory led the scoring with a hat-trick
and the others came from Phoebe Lodge, Georgina Wilson-Roberts and Nicole Shaw. Only
two teams can still overhaul Barnsley's points total - Ossett Utd, who defeated Bradford
Park Avenue 5-1 thanks to Debbie Hastings (2), Jamie-Lea Smith (2) and Charlotte
Adams, and Altofts Ladies who were also 5-1 winners against Farsley Celtic Juniors,
Nicole Smith scoring twice along with Laura Walker, Hollie Betts and Grace Wilkinson.
Millmoor Juniors Ladies cannot mathematically win the league but they have replaced
Handsworth in second place after beating them 6-1, Alesha Gale and Abby Watkinson each
bagged braces for Millmoor along with Leanne Corns and Crystal Lisle, whilst Handsworth's
consolation came from Evie Flint. In the other game, Harworth Colliery and Sheffield
Utd Community Foundation finished level at 2-2.
North West League
FC United of Manchester were made to wait before they can finally land the title after
they were held to a goalless draw by Fleetwood Town Wrens. They still require one more
point to make absolutely sure after Cheadle Town Stingers, the last remaining team who
can still catch their total, defeated Mossley Hill 6-0 with goals from Elizabeth Potier,
Georgia Plant, Jodie Hancock, Sophie John and Imogen Porteous-Williams. Blackburn
Community SC and Tranmere Rovers battled out a 2-2 draw whilst Taylor Gunn (2)
and Mia Woods netted the goals for West Didsbury & Chorlton as they won 3-2 away to
Darwen FC Women.
Blackpool have moved closer towards Division One North leaders Haslingden,
narrowing the gap to two points after April Oldfield and Lauren Oatley gave them a 2-0 win
away to Workington Reds. Preston North End meanwhile kept themselves in
contention, thanks to a 4-1 victory over Carlisle Utd. Penrith AFC and Penwortham
Town battled out a goalless draw whilst Bolton Wanderers defeated Sir Tom Finney
8-1, courtesy of a Grace Booth hat-trick, plus doubles from Madison Hardman and Tamzin
Gallagher along with an own goal.
Division One South title winners Bury AFC Women completed their successful season
in style, with an eleven goal victory against BRNESC Ladies. Sophie Charlton hit a hat-
trick for Bury, Jasmine Dawkes and Chloe Greenall added two apiece and the total was
completed by Rhia Dickins, Murron Alldread and Rachel Henry plus an own goal. Runners-
up Runcorn Linnets meanwhile won 5-4 against Poulton Vics, who can still be pipped
to third by Chester FC Women after they beat Altrincham 7-0 with a Molly Wood
hat-trick, Alisha Wright double, Emma Gray and an own goal. Warrington Wolves
Foundation look set for a top half finish following their 2-0 victory away to
Wythenshawe Amateurs.
South West League
Torquay Utd are still on course to land the Premier Division title, but needed to come
through a dramatic match as they drew 1-1 with Liskeard Athletic. Connie Pengelly gave
Torquay an early lead but a sending off and injuries meant that they had to play most of the
second half with only nine players. Gabi Alphous brought Liskeard back on level terms but
Torquay held on for a result which means they need to win their final game in order to pip
Bristol Rovers to the title. Third placed Forest Green Rovers completed their campaign
by beating Warminster Town 4-0 with goals from Nynka Rucker, Hattie Jones, Ellie
Briscoe and Sally Butterfield. Sacha Paynter and Summer Williams were on target for Poole
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