Page 6 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.5 2021-22

FA Women’s National League

Northern Premier Division
Wolverhampton Wanderers have opened up a lead
of three points at the top following their 3-2 victory away
to Huddersfield Town. Lucy Sowerby gave Town a
second minute lead - the first time Wolves have conceded this season - and after the visitors hit
back to go ahead through Ellie Butler and Anna Morphet, Brittany Sanderson levelled matters
again on the stroke of half time. Helen Dermody put Wolves back in front eight minutes after the
restart and they held out for a fifth win in sixth matches.
AFC Fylde Women had started the day as leaders but are back in third after being
beaten for the first time, 1-0 by Nottingham Forest who move above them into second on goal
difference. Jade Arber settled a tight encounter with the only goal of the game, midway through
the first half.
Derby County kept themselves in touch with the leading sides by beating
Middlesbrough 4-0. Ellie Gilliatt netted a first half brace, either side of a strike from Precious
Hamilton to put the Ewe Rams three ahead at half time, before Gilliatt completed her hat-trick
with six minutes remaining.
Burnley FC Women continued their improving form with a 3-0 success away to Hull
City. Courtney Willis was on target twice for the Clarets, with Nicola Worthington adding the
other goal.
The West Bromwich Albion revival continues, running out 5-0 winners over
Loughborough Lightning to move themselves into a mid-table position. Leigh Dugmore and
Trina Greaves each bagged doubles for Albion, with Jannelle Straker rounding off the scoring.
Honours were even at Stoke City where the home side shared a 1-1 draw with
Brighouse Town. Both goals came in the first half, Monique Watson giving Brighouse a lead
which was cancelled out just before half time by Roisin Kivel, however the game was
overshadowed by an injury to Stoke captain Meg Bowyer who suffered a fractured ankle and is
likely to be missing for several weeks. We wish her a speedy recovery.
Southern Premier Division
Southampton FC Women have made a swift return to the top of the table with a 5-0 victory
over London Bees. With Ipswich Town not having a game, a win ensure that the Saints would
regain top spot and a goal apiece from Sophia Pharoah, Leeta Rutherford, Lucia Kendall, Ella
Pusey and Alisha Ware saw them to a sixth straight win.
Portsmouth meanwhile scored eleven times against Hounslow Women and move
into third place on goal difference. Danielle Lane, Shannon Albuery and Samantha Quayle all
scored hat-tricks for Pompey and were joined on target by Rosie McDonnell and Ava
Rowbotham.
Oxford Utd follow on after inflicting a first defeat of the season on Bridgwater Utd,
beating them 3-0. Carly Johns gave the U's a twelfth minute lead from the penalty spot, which
was doubled before the break by Sophie Baker. Beth Lumsden rounded off an impressive result
for Oxford with the final goal, midway through the second half.
Gillingham meanwhile notched up their second win in a row and are up into mid-table
following a 3-1 success away to Plymouth Argyle. Amy Russ gave the Gills an early lead which
was quickly cancelled out by Argyle captain Zoe Cunningham and the game remained in the
balance until the final seven minutes, when Russ scored twice more to complete her hat-trick and
give Gillingham a happy, long journey home.
Milton Keynes Dons picked up an important point when sharing a 1-1 draw with
mid-table Cardiff City Ladies. Marianne Taho was on target for the Dons, whilst Cardiff's goal
came from Kelly Isaac.
After a nightmare trip to Ipswich seven days earlier, Keynsham Town bounced back
for their second win of the season, 2-1 against Chichester & Selsey. Laura Williams gave
Keynsham the lead with a 30-yard strike just before half time and after Gemma Simmonds
Issue no. 5 - 30 September 2021 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk