Page 7 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.22 2021-22

FA Women’s National League

Northern Premier Division
Whilst Wolverhampton Wanderers had their match
postponed on the weekend, Fylde Women took the
chance to return to the top of the table with a 2-1 win
against Nottingham Forest. After Rachel Brown had
given Forest the lead early in the second half, Faye McCoy headed Fylde level from a free kick and
with the game deep into injury time, a Sasha Rowe corner was bundled in by Amy Hughes for the
winning goal.
Stoke City made it two league wins on the trot, thanks to a 3-2 success away to Brighouse
Town. Molly Holder, Callan Barber and Roisin Kivel were all on target for Stoke, with the home side
replying through Leah Embley and Lucy Sowerby.
Loughborough Lightning gave their survival hopes a huge boost by beating West
Bromwich Albion 2-1. Emily Gunn scored an injury time winner for Loughborough to add to Chloe
Young's earlier strike, whilst Albion's consolation came from Hannah George.
Southern Premier Division
Oxford Utd closed the gap on leaders Ipswich Town to two points, thanks to a 2-1 victory away to
London Bees. The home side went into the game in good form but found themselves behind after
three minutes, Beth Lumsden giving Oxford the lead. Danielle Puddefoot brought the Bees back on
level terms shortly afterwards but just after the hour, Daisy McLachlan headed in the winning goal
for the U's, to step up their title challenge.
Southampton FC Women also kept themselves firmly in touch by winning 2-0 away to
Bridgwater Utd. Sophia Pharaoh put the Saints ahead in first half injury time, with Ella Pusey
adding the second after the break.
Gillingham consolidated themselves in fourth place with a 3-2 win against Plymouth
Argyle. Amy Russ, Beau Parker and Phoebe Leitch scored the goals to hand the Gills a fifth
successive home win, whilst Argyle's replies came from Imogen Crawford and Natasha Knapman.
Cardiff City Ladies are another team whose home form has been excellent in recent weeks,
which they maintained by beating Milton Keynes Dons 3-2. All of the goals came in a fifteen
minute spell just before half time; Kylie Nolan scored twice for Cardiff and Issy Newns added the
other, whilst the Dons' replies came from Lucy Wood and an own goal.
Chichester & Selsey also registered a crucial win, 3-1 over Keynsham Town. Natasha
Wild netted a first half brace for Chi and Megan Fox added their other goal, with Keynsham's
consolation coming via an own goal.
Division One North
Liverpool Feds returned to the top once again with a 1-0 win at Durham Cestria. Jennifer Rogers
scored the only goal of the game after five minutes to take the Feds back above Newcastle Utd
whose game at Chorley was postponed.
Stockport County put a gap of six points between themselves and Chester-le-Street
Town after winning their meeting 2-1. Maria Figueiredo and Emma Lysons scored the goals for
Stockport, with Isla Maggs replying.
FC United of Manchester meanwhile bounced back from a midweek defeat at Bradford
City to run out 4-1 winners away to Alnwick Town. Kirsty Chambers was on target twice for the
visitors along with Olivia Smith and Anya Donelan, whilst Alnwick's consolation came from Michelle
Stewart.
Division One Midlands
Boldmere St Michaels have taken over at the top of the table with a 3-1 victory against
Peterborough Utd. Lois Jefferies scored twice and Jessica Lindie the other to put the Mikes three
goals ahead at half time, with Katie Lowder firing in a second half consolation for the Posh Women.
The win means that Boldmere move above previous leaders Doncaster Rovers Belles on
goal difference, with Long Eaton Utd five points adrift in third place following their 1-0 success
against Wem Town. Anya-Mae Cresswell scored the only goal of the game to keep Long Eaton's
remaining promotion hopes alive.
Issue no. 22 - 17 February 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk