Radcliffe Olympic Ladies 0
Wolves Women 2 (Moran 82, J.Cross 90)
Wolves left it late but scored two goals in the last ten minutes against Radcliffe Olympic to keep up the pressure on league leaders Loughborough Foxes.
Wolves started well with a corner from Jen Anslow in the fourth minute which was headed clear, followed by a good chance a minute later after a throw-in found Esme Moran whose shot on the volley went wide.
Moran was kept busy at the other end too, clearing a Radcliffe free-kick in the eighth minute.
Jodie Bragan came close in the 11th minute, putting pressure on the defence with a strike at goal, but was unable to get anything clean on it and the ball went over the bar.
Moran could have capitalised on a mistake from the Radcliffe keeper just two minutes later, picking up the ball from a poor clearance, but her shot went just wide.
Wolves were creating plenty of chances, with Anslow hitting the upright from a corner and forcing a save from a free kick, while Moran sent another effort just over the bar.
Claire Hakeman was also called into action in the Wolves’ defence, clearing from a corner, but despite Wolves dominating, the first half finished goalless.
The second half saw the teams cancelling each other out until the 59th minute, when good work by Moran and Jade Cross found Bragan but her shot went just wide of the post.
Radcliffe sent a shot over the bar in the 63rd minute before Manager Tim Dudding rang the changes with Bragan and McQuilkin making way for Andrea Whetton and Emma Cross.
With the clock ticking down Wolves continued to press, with Jade Cross, Amber Quick and Anslow all coming close. Their pressure finally paid off in the 82nd minute after a turn and shot on the edge of the box by Emma Cross found Moran who tapped it into the net to give Wolves a deserved lead.
They consolidated their win in the 90th minute as Jade Cross shot from just inside the box to seal the points.
Manager Tim Dudding said: “It was another heart-felt performance from the ladies to secure three points and a clean sheet - it’s always pleasing to take maximum points from difficult situations. Credit to Radcliffe today for their grit and determination.
“We look to use this win to kick on to our remaining three away games.
“All the players look to play their part in taking maximum points.”
The result leaves Wolves just one point behind title rivals Loughborough Foxes, but with only one side promoted Wolves must win all three of their remaining games and hope that Loughborough slip up.
Having beaten Loughborough at home last week they will certainly be pushing them all the way as the season heads to a dramatic climax. Next Sunday sees Wolves travel to Steel City Wanderers.
TEAM: Gardner, Hakeman (Meeson), Anslow, Quick, Brackenbury, Widdal, Bragan, (Whetton), Perks (C), J.Cross, McQuilkin (E.Cross), Moran. SUBS: Webb, Evans.
PHOTO: Mark Burchill.
* Wolves have begun preparations for next season with open trials announced for Under 10s, 12s, 14s and 16s interested in joining the FA Girls’ Regional Talent Club. Open trials will be held at Wolves Training Ground on Saturday 10th June. For more information e-mail andybutler@wolvescommunitytrust.org.uk
Details of senior trials will be announced soon.
