Wolves Women 1 (J. Cross 16')
Crewe Alexandra Ladies 0
Report by Callum Doughty, photograph by Simon Faulkner.
An early Jade Cross strike was enough to help Wolves over the line in what was a hard-fought encounter at Bilston Town.
After an impressive start to the league season, in which they have scored 18 goals, Wolves found it hard to meet their high goalscoring standards on Sunday afternoon.
The only goal of the game came in the early exchanges as Charlotte Criddle played a cute ball around the corner into the path of Cross, who beat the offside trap, rounded the Crewe goalkeeper and fired Wolves into the lead.
Crewe then went close twice themselves, first the attacker just couldn’t get a toe to the ball and then cracked a strike off the inside of the post.
With Wolves trying to see the game out, the second-half failed to present many clear-cut chances until Cross almost doubled the hosts’ lead with a half-volley which she could only hit over the bar.
Criddle then went close with an effort from distance in the dying embers of the game.
Despite their inability to extend the lead after an early goal, Wolves were able to hold onto the win and put themselves into the next round.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
In what was a game that lacked many clear-cut chances, Jade Cross’ goal for Wolves was a display of what the hosts can do when they’re on the top of their game. From Criddle’s through ball, to Cross’s perfectly timed run and rounding the goalkeeper, it was a goal worthy of winning any football match.
QUOTES
Despite seeing his side win, Wolves manager Dan McNamara felt his side didn’t perform to their full potential.
He said: "I don’t think we really got to the races today. It was difficult, it was hot, the pitch wasn’t ideal but I’m not making any excuses, I think we struggled from the off.
"Once the first goal went in I thought the game would open up a bit. Credit to Crewe, they defended for their lives.’’
COMING UP
Up next for Wolves is a trip to Castle Vale Stadium to take on Birmingham & West Midlands Ladies FC on Sunday, 9th September in the FA Women’s National League Midland’s Division One. Kick-off is 2pm.
NEXT FIVE
- 09/09 - Birmingham & West Midlands Ladies (A)
- 12/09 - Sporting Khalsa Ladies (H)
- 16/09 - Burton Albion Ladies (A)
- 30/09 - Nettleham Ladies (H)
- 03/10 - The New Saints (H)
TEAMS
WOLVES | Elbro, Butler, E.Cross, Price (C), Haynes (Jennings 59), Jones (Morphet 67), Williams, Barnett; Shirley, J.Cross, Criddle
SUBS NOT USED | Edge, Widdal, Wilkie
CREWE | Holloway, Nuttall, Stafford, Derry, Sheridan, Cooper, Fallon, Stebbings, Saunders, Garner, Grice
