With the disappointment of last week’s narrow league defeat at Grimsby, Arnold Town were looking to get back to winning ways in the FA cup at Ruddington Ladies. The game couldn’t have started any worse for the Eagles as they conceded within the first minute of the game as the side were caught cold.
Newly appointed manager Andy Ingle had to shuffle the pack slightly with club captain Jen Lorimer away but was able to include new signing from Mansfield Town, Jenna Ellis. She slotted in well and great attacking play through the midfield and front trio saw Molly Parker driving into the box before delivering a perfect cross for Laura Coulthard to score her 3rd goal of the season.
Playing some nice football, Arnold kept pressing the Ruddington defence and soon had their rewards as Laura Coulthard repaid the assist by playing Molly Parker through the middle, where she held the defender off before slotting past the keeper.
Arnold also gave a debut to left back Beth Polak with Jess Adcock moving to University this week. A decent start but match fitness was always going to be a factor with her not playing for a number of years. The next goal was always going to be crucial and unfortunately it went to Ruddington before Ellie Roache pulled off a stunning one hand save when a third goal was the likely outcome.
Hope was short lived as Ruddington broke the back line deep into first half stoppage time and went into the break 3-2 up.
Changes were forced at half time with Jenna Smith coming off and Shantay Wright replacing her. This meant some changes across the pitch in which Arnold were unable to settle to. Four quick goals really put the home side in control and Arnold were never really able to get back into the game and certainly found it harder to get the ball forward. Ellis Marchant came on at right back for Claire Potter who was suffering from a throat infection, and Saqqara Nugent replaced a drained Laura Coulthard who had given everything as Captain.
Some glimmer of hope was produced with a fantastic corner from Elli Leathen which was expertly turned in the net by Molly Parker to make the score 7-3. One more sealed it for Ruddington as they eventually cruised into the next round.
Tough on Arnold mainly due to fitness, illness and experience but certainly improvements are being made and manager Andy Ingle was happy with the attitude. Plenty to take to the training ground but some positives again that can be taken away.
Second Team
A thumping first win of the season by Arnold Town Ladies 2nd team. Taking the frustration of not being able to score last week v Clifton, the side certainly made up for it today away at Ilkeston.
Goals from Chloe Stocks (4), Emily Nelis, Kellie Hart, Selina Luciw, Charlee Keetley and an Own goal secured the 3 points
