Report by SJG

NORTH WEST CHAMPIONSHIP

EUXTON XI vs WIGAN ATHLETIC

3^rd September 2024

A BRUISING ENCOUNTER WON WITH A SPECIAL STRIKE.

Next up for the Ladies team was a trip to the Buckshaw Bernabeu and on a bumpy pitch with a very uneven grass covering they started well when in the ninth minute a poor headed clearance by the home defence put the keeper under pressure and HODSON was first to react to fire home. Wigan nearly grabbed a second when a free kick by Hassall forced a save from the keeper. Cleary was lively in a forward role and worked the keeper on one occasion as well as firing other efforts just wide.

Euxton relied on the long ball and two pacey forwards and their direct approach bore fruit in the 18^th minute when Wigan failed to clear and RAVENSCROFT was able to collect the second ball and beat Knowles in the Wigan goal.

The home side worked hard to close down space and the tactic was effective as Latics struggled to get their passing going on the unfriendly surface.

Euxton nearly took the lead in the 38^th minute when an under-hit back pass allowed the Euxton striker in on goal but Knowles saved bravely at the striker’s feet, collecting a boot in the process.

Half Time; Euxton 1-1 Wigan Athletic.

The second period saw both sides becoming more physical with few tackles being shirked Dada in the centre producing a number of brave interventions.

On the hour mark Carr forced the home keeper to turn a shot behind and the resulting corner nearly saw Latics re-establish a lead as a first-time shot was just over the bar.

The physical nature of the game boiled over when Schickhoff was caught late by a hefty challenge and although she bravely tried to continue she had to be helped from the field.

Euxton whilst still offering a threat with the long ball were visibly tiring and every set play allowed them to slow the game. Wigan pushed hard and they finally were finding some space in the wider areas with Worswick and Merrigan particularly prominent.

With five minutes of normal time remaining, it was Wigan who were pushing for a winner and they got their reward when CLEARY fired home from the edge of the box to send the travelling fans home happy.

Cleary picked up the dubious honour of being the first player to receive a yellow card after she kicked the ball away following a free kick as she tried to slow the retake.

Latics nearly grabbed a third goal deep into injury time when Hodson held off her defender and fired a low effort across goal that struck the base of a post, before being hooked to safety.

Full Time; Euxton XI 1-2 Wigan Athletic.

Scorers; Hodson (7), Cleary (85); Ravenscroft (18);

Attendance; 100 (est).

Teams; WIGAN— (4-3-3) Knowles; Worswick, McCoy, Moore, Scott; Carr, Black; Hassall; Heslip, Cleary; Hodson; Subs; --- Moseley, Baker, Merican, Schickhoff, Dada

Referee; Mr. Brandon Whiteside.