This Saturday saw Lancaster and Morecambe Ladies 1st team travel to rain soaked Clitheroe. Prepared for a tough match, LMHC started brightly, working the ball well in midfield and repeatedly exploiting Clitheroe down the right side-line. Dodd making excellent runs to the corner and stretching the Clitheroe defence.

Burke, Knowles and Hargreaves were integral in blocking the advance of Clitheroe’s midfield, feeding Hicks and McElwee into a stream of counter attacks. After conceding against the run of play, it was one of these counter attacks that saw Hicks drive into the ‘D’ and past the keeper before being cynically brought to the ground.

McElwree converted the resulting penalty flick and order was restored. Morecambe heaped the pressure on, Dodd flooding the Clitheroe goal with shots, winning numerous long corners; they were unlucky not to score.

The 2nd half saw Clitheroe apply more pressure in open play and Morecambe conceded to a swift counter attack, leaving Lawson with no chance. Morecambe pressed back, Patterson and Brogan working hard to support the midfield going forward as well as hold a strong backline.

LMHC drew level thanks to another McElwee break beating the Clitheroe defence. Clitheroe weren’t to be cowed, however, and pushed hard at Morecambe, winning a long series of penalty corners which Morecambe defended diligently. Morecambe defence held strong and Lawson pulled of a series of excellent saves to hold Clitheroe at 2-2.

The final goal of the game was to come in the final 2mins after yet another positive phase of play from Morecambe. After a barrage of long corners and shots, Hurd drove the By-line from a long and slipped the ball back to Rogerson. Rogerson’s shot was blocked but she picked up the ball again and drove the By-line herself, slipping the ball back to Hurd who swept the ball into the goal for the win.

Excellent teamwork and work rate resulting in a well-deserved win.

Team: Jannique Lawson, Verity Brogan, Jess Patterson, Julia Knowles, Lucy Burke, Donna Hurd, Phoebe Hargreaves, Christiane Rogerson, Yasmin Dodd, Chloe Hicks and Emma McElwee

MOM: Jannique Lawson