The first game for the second team in 2016 resulted in a comfortable win against Ilkeston Ladies at Eagle Valley today, with the game only going ahead as Arnold were able to switch the venue from Ilkeston due to the wet weather.
The management were pleasantly surprised to have 16 players to select from with a handful making themselves available having struggled with other commitments. They started off well with Molly Parker unlucky not to score within the first minute when her shot passed the wrong side of the post. Ilkeston setup to attack on the counter which gave Hannah Hughes and Danielle Pritchard plenty of time on the ball, which they used well to set Selina Luciw or Charlee Keetley through from the wing. With only half chances created it was a surprise to see the visitors take the lead. Having found no joy getting past the defence of Amy Nuthall, Ciara Button, Chloe Stocks and Alice Millns, they caught Arnold with a set peice. From a corner from the left the Ilkeston captain was free to finish past keeper Jessica Shelton.
This opened up the game with Arnold throwing players forward but with Ilkeston attacking the spaces left at the back. There was another blow as Danielle Pritchard had to be replaced when she picked up an ankle injury which saw the introduction on Kellie Hart. Composure was all that was needed in the final third and it was a cool head in Alice Milns that saw her calmly play the ball inside when others may have put their laces through it, it found Hannah Hughes who played the perfect ball inside the defender for Charlee Keetley to run on to, before cutting in and finding the far corner to equilise.
All square at the interval and after a half time talk from the management the intensity was increased which saw Emily Nelis slide infront of the keeper to get the touch that took the ball past the impressive Ilkeston number one and give Arnold the lead.
Substitutions saw Selina Luciw who had worked hard on the left wing replaced for Roanne Adams as well as Keeley Terry and Leighanne Powles entering the game. The chances may have caused Arnold to switch off for a moment as a long ball over the top beat the defence and the Ilkeston striker got just enough on it to knock it past Amy Sills and make the score line 2-2.
With ten minutes to go Samantha Hoyes came on and her pressure on the defender on Arnolds left created the chance for the ball into Molly Parker on the penalty spot, where she had time to have a touch before placing the ball through the on rushing keepers legs to give Arnold their third.
This opened the flood gates as Charlee Keetley drove through the box before opening her body out and again placing the ball in the far corner for her brace. This well taken goal obviously wetted the appetite of some of the players as minutes later defender Chloe Stocks played a one-two in the right back position before jet propelling along the touch line with the ball, cutting into the box and finishing with the tightest of angles to score the goal of the day. With the result safe there was still time for a sixth as Emily Nelis completed a good personal performance with her second of the match.
Another cup win and whilst not as convincing at times as it could have been its a great sign for the future that after a 6-2 win this team is still capable of much better.
Arnold Town Under 11’s also had success in the cup with an excellent 4-0 win over Radcliffe Olympics Under 11. The game was scheduled to be played at Bingham Road playing fields in Radcliffe but due to a water logged pitch was also moved to Eagle Valley.
