Perfect start continues

2nd October 2018

Wolves Women continued their perfect start in the FA Women’s National League Midlands Division One with a 3-0 victory against Nettleham Ladies at the CKW Stadium.

Wolves 3 (Widdal 29, J.Cross 44, George 65)

Nettleham 0

Report by Ryan Plant, photograph by Simon Faulkner

Goals from Natalie Widdal, Jade Cross and Tammi George earned Dan McNamara’s side a comfortable victory to extend their winning run to eight games in all competitions.

The hosts enjoyed the majority of the possession in the game’s early stages, but Lucy Farrow’s dangerous cross, which was almost met by Abbie Murrell, was a timely reminder of Brad Wright’s Nettleham’s strength on the counter.

As the half progressed Wolves continued to dominate and create chances - Cross saw an excellent shot from distance well saved by the visitors’ goalkeeper, Kelsey Fletcher.

Soon after, though, McNamara’s side went ahead when captain Widdal was the quickest to react as Nettleham failed to clear Anslow’s corner to score from inside the six-yard box.

Wolves continued on top and just before half-time, Cross turned in Charlotte Wilkie’s centre to double their lead.

Wolves were the stronger side but the visitors posed a threat when counter-attacking. Maddie Elbro saved well from Murrell, who was clean through on goal.

Wolves responded well; George made it 3-0 by converting Andrea Barnett’s cross with her first touch of the game, after coming on for Billie Haynes in attack.

The striker saw her header hit the upright late on as Wolves created chances, aided by substitute Charlotte Criddle’s excellent hold-up play, until the final whistle.

MOMENT OF THE MATCH

After a period of sustained pressure, Widdal’s calm finish on the half hour to put Wolves in front settled any nerves and the hosts continued to dominate, playing excellent, free-flowing football from then on.

QUOTES

McNamara was delighted with his side's performance. He said: “I'm really pleased, that win has taken us above West Brom and top of the league.

“They were patient today and played really well against a good Nettleham team, but we didn't expect any different from them.

“We have a strong squad, we had a player drop out today and had someone to fill their spot and whenever anyone comes in there isn't a drop in quality.”

WHAT’S NEXT

Wolves are next in action under the floodlights this Wednesday evening 3rd October when they take on The New Saints Ladies, looking to continue their excellent start to the season. The game will be played at AFC Wulfrunians, CKW Stadium, Castlecroft, WV3 8NA with a 7.45pm kick-off. Admission is £2; concessions and Wolves season ticket holders £1.

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