Amber Hughes fired home a late winner to secure all three points against Boldmere St Michael’s, as Wolves put their defeat to Burnley behind them.
A lacklustre first half was followed by a second half display which was dominated by Dan McNamara’s side, and a penalty save denied Helen Dermody from opening the scoring, but Hughes’ late winner secured victory.
Looking to bounce back from defeat seven days previously, the opening period was one Wolves dominated, but the hosts struggled to turn possession into opportunities before the break.
Instead, the first big chance of the opening period came a Boldmere corner, when a dangerous delivery was diverted goalwards by a white and black shirt, but a vital reflex save from Bec Thomas in the Wolves goal kept the game all square.
From that point, the half presented few chances for either side to gain an advantage, despite Jade Cross, Tammi George and Dermody all trying their luck from distance without success.
Half-time | Wolves 0-0 Boldmere
Just minutes into the second half, Laura Cooper played a lofted ball into the box which eventually found its way to Jade Cross, but her shot was blocked from close range.
At the other end, a free-kick in behind the Wolves backline found a Boldmere forward who headed past Thomas, but the linesman’s flag denied the visitors the opener.
Wolves continued to pile on the pressure, with McNamara’s side taking control of the game, and Dermody’s long range effort tested the goalkeeper, before Cooper forced a save down to the left.
Wolves were getting closer and Beth Merrick smashed the crossbar with a spectacular effort, the opening goal felt it was inevitable.
Then, a foul on Hughes in the penalty area gave Wolves the chance to take the lead, but Dermody’s penalty was saved excellently by Chloe Quinn, down to her right.
However, the hosts wouldn’t be denied and with eight minutes to play, Hughes finally broke the deadlock and fired Wolves ahead. A scramble in the box following a corner left the attacker free to fire home and claim all three points late in the day.
Full-time | Wolves 1-0 Boldmere
REACTION
Speaking after the win over Boldmere, head coach McNamara said: “It’s always difficult when a team just comes to set up to defend and not concede. I’m really proud of the girls and the application they showed to the task in hand.”
On the defensive work of Boldmere
“We rarely got out of their half and they have their style of play. I thought we dealt with it really well, it was only a matter of time before we made a breakthrough. Their goalkeeper has kept them in it for the majority of the game. When you’ve got players of Amber’s ability, and many more as well as Amber to come up with loads of quality you’ll always make a breakthrough. Really proud at the end of the day.”
On the competitive nature of the game
“It’s a local derby at the end of the day, they’re local neighbours. We knew that was going to happen, they’ve got some good players in the central area of the park. Jade Formaston is an outstanding player, she had a great battle with Tammi (George) today which I think Tammi just edged. In local derbies you’re always going to get that so delighted we managed to get the three points.”
On Merrick's impact on the game
“Beth was disappointed not to start but we asked her to come on and affect the game and she did that. I think she could have won it twice on her own with two outstanding efforts which on another day the keeper gets nowhere near. As I said, ultimately the keeper was outstanding today.”
On if Hughes’ can better her goal tally from last season
“Absolutely, we’ve seen Amber play the finest football she’s played in a Wolves shirt, last season at times she was really struggling with injuries. She’s flying, she’s becoming quite a strong point for us, the centre halves and defences are probably working on trying to stop her. You’ll always, always find a way when you’ve got that much quality, you give Amber an inch and she’ll take it a mile. I’m delighted for Amber, and I think that will only improve as we go through the season.”
NEXT FIVE
12/10 West Bromwich Albion (H)
23/10 Derby (A)
6/11 Brighouse Town (H)
18/12 Fylde (A)
8/1 Liverpool Feds (H)
TEAMS
Wolves | Thomas, Cooper (Miller 80), E.Cross, Elsmore, George, Guantlett (Merrick 66), J.Cross, Dermody, Hughes, Holmes, Johnson.
Boldmere | Quinn, Liddiard, Sutton, Scott, Keeling, Formaston, Kirk (Abdallah 71), Da’Casto (Billingsley 80), Sherrell, Jefferies, Bickley (Greaves 85).
