Blackburn Rovers Ladies 3 (McCoy '23, '27, Pearson '37)
Wolves Women 0
It was a baptism of fire for promoted Wolves Women, facing last season’s champions Blackburn Rovers Ladies in their first game back in the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division. A tough opening 45 minutes saw Wolves 3-0 down at the break, but they rallied in the second half to produce a credible performance.
Blackburn were straight onto the attack, firing shots at every opportunity, while Wolves did well to break up the play.
The pressure paid off for Blackburn in the 23rd minute as some nice passing play found Faye McCoy who headed in to put the home side ahead.
McCoy doubled the score just four minutes later after Chelsea Flanagan’s blocked shot rebounded into her path and she chipped it past Glenny in the Wolves goal to make it 2-0.
Blackburn were on the hunt for a third goal and they got it in the 37th minute after a great through ball found Kelsey Pearson whose shot went past an onrushing Glenny.
With Wolves 3-0 down at the break Manager Tim Dudding made some changes, moving Emma Cross into midfield. This had an impact, with Wolves keeping Blackburn at bay despite their pressure, and they started to create some chances of their own.
Kirstie Bavington and Andrea Whetton both sent shots over the bar before Jade Cross shot wide from 20 yards out.
Blackburn’s efforts were repelled by some valiant defending from Wolves and saves from Glenny.
Wolves almost got a consolation goal with the last kick off the game after they managed to get round the defence, but J. Cross’s chip was just wide of the target.
Manager Tim Dudding said: “There were lots of positives to take from today. It was a very determined performance from us; we tried to play some really good defensive football and that paid off, particularly in the second half.
“Credit to the girls for digging deep when they needed to and having to perform so differently in the second half. We matched them for many parts of the game.
“It was also exciting to see two Under 18 players and an Under 18 graduate making appearances today.”
Wolves Women’s first home game of the season is next Sunday 27th August when they entertain last season’s runners-up Middlesbrough at Hednesford Town FC with a 2pm kick-off. Admission is £2 for concessions and £1 for Wolves season ticket holders.
Wolves Team: Glenny, Meeson, Haynes, Bavington, Widdal, E.Cross, Whetton, Butler (C) (Bate), Robinson (Lal), J.Cross, Moran (Simpson)
Unused Subs: Criddle, Foster
