Wolves extended their lead at the top of the Women’s National League Division 1 Midlands to 11 points with a four-goal victory over Long Eaton United at the Sir Jack Hayward Training Ground.
Wolves took the lead with just ten minutes on the clock. A fantastic run from Andrea Barnett created a chance from nothing as the winger put in a low cross that fell to Lyndsey Glover at the back post who smashed home from close range.
The next best chance Wolves had fell to the inform Jade Cross. The forward pulled off a great chop turn to beat two Long Eaton United defenders on the edge of the box but could only fire her shot against the foot of the post.
Wolves started quickly after the break, taking just four minutes of the second-half to double their lead. Barnett capitalised on a mistake in the Long Eaton defence and slotted home from six yards out.
Substitute Lowri Walker made it three when she converted a penalty just six minutes after coming on. Jade Cross was dragged down in the box and Walker converted confidently from the spot.
The fourth and final goal of the afternoon came from Jamila Palmer. Jade Cross laid the ball back to Palmer who smashed home from close range.
REACTION
Wolves manager, Dan McNamara, was really pleased with his side’s performance on Sunday, saying: “I thought we were fantastic today. I think that’s the best performance we’ve had since the turn of the year.
“That caps off a huge January for us; three very difficult games where we’ve won all three and we’ve now got ten cup finals left to play.”
Barnett and Palmer shone for Wolves against a below-par Long Eaton United, with Barnett creating the first goal and scoring the second, before coming off with cramp in the 72nd minute.
McNamara was thrilled with her performance on the pitch: “We’ve been asking her to get more involved in the attack. We sorted her defensive game and now we want her to start effecting games like she did today and I’m really glad she got a goal, she deserves it.
“As for Jam (Palmer), I’ve often said to her that her game isn’t about her goals it’s about her creativity, that’s what we rely on her for. Having said that, I’m not going to complain when she does score either!”
COMING UP
The team are return to their usual home of Castlecroft’s CKW Stadium next Sunday 2nd February when they take on Burton Albion Ladies, 2pm kick-off.
NEXT FIVE
02/02 | Burton Albion Ladies (H)
09/02 | Leicester United WFC (H)
16/02 | Birmingham & West Midlands Ladies (H)
19/02 | The New Saints LFC (H)
23/02 | Leafield Athletic LFC (H)
TEAMS
Wolves: Elbro, E. Cross, Price, Buck, Barnett (Haynes 72), Jennings, Jones (Walker 68), Glover, Bramford, J. Cross, Palmer
Unused subs: Bruton, Keitley, Widdal.
Long Eaton: Schmid, Huskisson-Moore, Johnstone, Cresswell, Kennaugh, Fugler, Barbour, Newton, Emery, Pashley, Allen (Da’Casto 60)
Unused subs: Clarke, Parkes, Wells, Goddard.
Report by Jonny Drake
