Notts County development were the visitors to Eagle Valley having notched a 9-0 win in the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
With that in mind, Arnold were eager to see how far they had progressed in that time. With almost a full squad to chose from, manager Andy Ingle brought Chloe Stocks into the back four along side Claire Potter, Tina Potter and Charley Norman. The midfield looked strong with Ciara Button and Chloe Jordan protecting the defence and Jen Lorimer playing the free role in front of them.
The defence held well but were undone after 20 minutes when County opening the scoring. It was 2-0 being for the break as Arnold were unable to clear their lines folllowing a Notts Corner. Goalkeeper Emily Hallam pulled off four point-blank saves before the ball was poked in.
The situation was similar to the previous week against Mansfield where the home side were second to everything. Once they settled down they were much the better team in the second half. Molly Parker came close with a free header from a corner, Natasha Leache saw her turn, dribble and shot spectacually saved by the visiting keeper before she turned another Molly Parker effort around the post. Wide players Emily Nelis and Eli Leathen had the beating of their markers but were unable to deliver the perfect cross. They were excellently assisted by both full backs, Tina Potter and Kellie Hart.
Overall the signs are still positive, however it was another case of nearly but not quite. Players are certainly good enough, they just need to believe it from the kick-off and not allow themselves to be a couple of goals behind before they settle into the game.
Team: E.Hallam, T.Potter, C.Stocks, C.Potter, C.Norman, E.Leathen, J.Lorimer (C), C.Jordan, M.Parker, E.Nelis, C.Button
Subs: N.Leach (C.Button), K.Hart (C.Norman)
Arnold Town Ladies Second team went into the festive break with a fantastic 9-0 win at Eagle Valley, putting them joint top of the Senior league. With all the rain on Saturday there was a real worry that the game could fall foul to the weather but in the end it was only raining goals.
Having created numerous chances, Arnold finally got the break through when Katie McCrorie found space on the edge of the area before placing a shot into the bottom corner. It took a while before they were able to double their lead having seen the Bingham Town keeper make save after save. A rasping Chloe Stocks effort however gave the visitors no chance as it hit the top corner before anyone could react.
Two nil at half time was probably very generous however the away side were giving their all and were a credit to their club. It was also pleasing to see Arnold Goalkeeper Ellie Roache return to match action and was rewarded with a 45 minute clean sheet before she was replaced by Jess Shelton.
It didnt take long for the home team to get further ahead, as Katie McCrorie got her second, getting the final touch during a goal mouth scramble. Space was now being created as Bingham tired and Charley Keetley took full advantage by racing through from the right before firing past the keeper to make it four. Danielle Pritchard continued her scoring streak as her free kick rattled in of the bar, just landing on the other side of the goal line and whilst Bingham complained that the goal shouldnt have stood, Arnold snuck in and added a 6th as Alice Millns tapped in following Sammy Hoyes effort coming back off the post. Sammy got her reward minutes later as she finished a great team move, beating the keeper at the back post.
Keeley Terry ventured forward from the back and added to the total before Hannah Hughes scored the best of the lot, cutting in from the right before curing the ball round the outstretched arm of the Bingham keeper to make it 9-0 at full time.
Both the Under 18 and Under 16 games were postponed due to waterlogged pitches.
