North Wales Women’s League East – Northop Hall pip Bellevue in a cracker

NORTH WALES WOMEN’S LEAGUE EAST – JANUARY 28

Northop Hall 2 (Gorecka 58, 86)
Bellevue 1 (Bithell 50)

Brygida Gorecka struck twice to earn Northop Hall their first win in seven matches, but what a fantastic effort from football newcomers Bellevue to run their established opponents so close.

The first half found Hall on top of possession, but Bellevue constantly kept the pressure on, making it hard for the hosts to play.

Hall had plenty of chances to score but found themselves missing the target or keeper Tiarna Bithell making a save.

Bellevue had a massive opportunity to take the lead but the crossbar saved the home side.

Half time it was goalless and all to play for.

An injury to defender Sian Smith early in the second half meant a significant change for Bellevue.

As the visitors only had 11 players, Smith went in goal and Bithell played out – to some effect!

Vue were on top, and in the 50th minute, Bithell scored to make it 1-0.

Northop Hall dug deep and improved attack-wise, equalising in the 59th minute when Gorecka beat a defender with her pace and went one-on-one with the keeper, slotting home for 1-1.

The game was then end to end with both teams giving it their all trying to find a winner. Bithell found the net again for the Wrexham side, as did Lola Prince with a bicycle kick, but twice the referee ruled no-goal.

Northop launched another attacking phase and in the 86th minute the ball dropped to Gorecka just outside of the 18-yard box, She took one touch to get the ball under control and then lashed a long-distance shot which found the back of the net to win the game.

Hall coach Ffion Cooper said: “The coaching team from Northop Hall all recognise how much improvement there has been in the Bellevue squad since we last played them at the start of the season.

“We wish them the best for the rest of the season and look forward to more games in the future.”

TEAMS

NORTHOP HALL

Bethan Hughes
Alison Whitley (c)
Debra Wright
Isabella Nardo
Brygida Gorecka
Hannah Williams
Ellen Sharps
Taylor Roberts
Tyler Price
Cody Hughes
Alex Stapleton
SUBS USED
Daisy Allen
Amy Davies
Lucy Cosgrove

BELLEVUE

Tiarna Birthell
Laura Reeves
Pauline Goodlad
Lisa Mobbs
Anne-Marie Withers
Lola Prince
Lily Denby
Jade McHugh
Jade Bowe
Carys Hinds
Sian Smith