Final Pre-Season Win For Wolves Women

Wolves Women rounded off their pre-season campaign with a 3-2 victory over Liverpool Feds at Bilston Town.

Wolves Women 3 (Morphet 43, Walker 54, Anslow 59)

Liverpool Feds 2 (47, 58)

The first chance of the game fell to Liverpool Feds in the opening minute, but the header was saved by Maddison Mumford in the Wolves goal. Wolves were quick to reply, with Jess Jennings shooting just wide.

The home side started to dominate, creating most of the chances, with Jen Anslow and Chloe Williams going close, but they had to wait until the 43rd minute to make the breakthrough. It came from a free-kick from the edge of the box as Anna Morphet curled the ball into the net to send Wolves into the break 1-0 up.

Their lead was short-lived as Feds got the equaliser in the 47th minute. Wolves’ defence failed to clear a header into the box and the ball was volleyed into the roof of the net.

Both teams had chances to go ahead with Feds going closest and hitting the post, but it was Wolves who restored their lead in the 54th minute after Lowri Walker took the ball into the box and slotted it past the keeper.

In the 57th minute Mumford made an excellent save, but Feds scored from the resulting corner to make it 2-2.

Wolves were back in front again just a minute later when Anslow’s looping effort dipped just over the Feds keeper.

In the 64th minute an injury to Mumford saw her replaced by Courtney Jones in the Wolves goal.

The final 15 minutes saw Manager Dan McNamara freshen up the game with several substitutes, with new additions Criddle, Hargreaves and Edge all having chances.

Feds were also pressing, but Wolves were able to hold on for their victory.

Manager Dan McNamara said: “I thought it was a fantastic win. It epitomises everything I’m trying to bring to the club – togetherness, determination, hard work and character against a very good Liverpool Feds side. I knew it would be tough as they’re a very physical side and I’m absolutely delighted with the way the girls have performed today.

“My big aim at the end of last season was to keep the majority of the squad together, which we’ve done. I’ve also brought in a few individuals and they’ve really gelled. It was a challenging pre-season, and I think we’ve really gathered momentum to take forward into next week’s match.”

Wolves Women start their FA Women’s National League campaign away at Steel City Wanderers on Sunday 19th August before entertaining Solihull Moors in their first game at their new home ground of Bilston Town FC on Sunday 26th August with a 2pm kick-off. Admission is £2; concessions and Wolves season ticket holders £1.

WOLVES | Mumford (Jones), Widdal, E. Cross, Morphet, Haynes, Williams, Wilkie, Anslow (Willis), Walker (Hargreaves), George (Edge), Jennings (Criddle).

PICTURE | Mark Birchill