by Peter Westwood
Wolves Women 10
Jones 11, Robinson 21,38,66, Haynes 28,87, J.Cross 29,56,80, Simpson 85
Coventry United Ladies 1
Moran 10
Wolves Women impressed in a 10-1 victory over Coventry United in their first pre-season friendly at Hednesford Town. Several new signings made their debuts while Esme Moran and Lauren Jones made up the numbers in the Coventry team.
Emma Cross and Billie Haynes both had early chances for Wolves but their shots went wide. However it was Coventry who were first on the scoresheet in the 10th minute against the run of play as Moran hit the ball into the far corner to put the visitors ahead.
Wolves were quick to respond though and just a minute later new signing Courtney Jones headed home from a corner for the equaliser.
Wolves were now in control and got themselves ahead in the 21st minute after the ball was played into the box to debutante Leanne Robinson who slotted it past the keeper to make it 2-1.
Wolves had plenty more chances and added a third in the 28th minute after a lovely through ball in the middle from Kirstie Bavington found Haynes in the box, who chipped it first time past the onrushing keeper.
Goal number four saw the Cross twins combine as Emma turned provider for sister Jade to finish comfortably past the keeper.
The momentum was maintained as Robinson got her second to make it 5-1 to Wolves at the break.
The second half saw Manager Tim Dudding make several changes but Wolves continued to dominate and Jade Cross headed home her second and Wolves’ sixth in the 56th minute.
Robinson completed her hat trick ten minutes later before being substituted as Dudding continued to shuffle his pack.
Then it was Jade Cross’s turn to notch up her hat trick in the 80th minute, tapping home from a Haynes cross to make it 8-1.
Wolves rounded off the game with two goals in the space of two minutes. Harley Simpson scored on her debut in the 85th minute, followed by a second for Haynes who chipped the keeper after a lovely through ball from Jen Anslow, making it ten goals in total and rounding off an emphatic victory.
Manager Tim Dudding said: “It was another important performance from the girls today. There’s a lot to work on and to improve on, but it’s good to get out there, get the ball on the park and get the girls playing.
“It was really good to see some of the new arrivals making their debuts fitting in really nicely and getting a bit of confidence on the ball.
“I’m pleased with the way we played. The girls made a really good effort so credit to them for that.
“It’s nice to be back home at Hednesford and we’re looking forward to pushing on to next week.”
* Next Sunday 6th August sees Wolves Women continue their pre-season build-up as they play host to Cardiff City Ladies at Hednesford Town with a 2pm kick-off. Admission is free.
Wolves Team: Foster, Bate (Anslow), Phillips, Bavington (Criddle), Jones, Butler (C), E.Cross (Whetton), McQuilkin (Haynes), Robinson, J.Cross, Haynes (Simpson)
Picture: Debutant Courtney Jones celebrates her first goal for Wolves. Photo courtesy of Mark Birchill.
