Rutherford Ladies v CLS Waldridge Park Ladies [Cup]

Today we faced Chester Le Street Waldrdge Park ladies in the first round of the league cup at our home ground.

The game started slow and unsteady for us seeing us struggle to keep possession and complete passes all around the pitch. We were creating chance but were struggle to convert seeing sloppy shots and bad decisions being made.

Finally in the 19 minute of play winger Armstrong put in a tremendous cross finding Fairbairn who knocked the ball over the line. Within the next ten minutes of play the referee witnessed a hand ball by our opponents in the box and awarded a penalty. Andrews stepped up to take it but unfortanately put the ball over the cross bar. A minute later skilful striker Scott won the ball form our opponents travelling down the wing where she hit the ball almost on the bye line and somehow managed to send it crashing into the back of the net. This was a crucial goal at a crucial time. One minute later Scott played a superb ball through to Armstrong who struck it with great force sending it crashing past the Waldridge keeper. Not only was this a tremendous goal it was also a left footed finish by Armstrong.

We went into the half time break with a 3-0 lead. We mixed things up a bit and brought all substitutes on for some decent ball time. The second half saw us score another two brilliant team goals one another sublime left footed finish by Armstrong and the other blasted in my Richardson from an Armstrong corner.

Player of the match today was awarded to centre half Coxon for her fantastic performance for the whole time on the pitch. She controlled her back four excellently and won almost every tackle she entered.

The game started slowly for the team but they battled well against a good side to take the lead and keep another clean sheet as well progressing to the next round of the cup. Well done Ladies.