Had the Arnold Town management built a brick wall across the half way line today, then they would be spending the night clearing up the debris after all 10 players ran through it.
With injuries, work shifts and illness taking its toll and the second team players being cup tied, manager Andy Ingle only had 10 players to chose from for today’s County Cup match at Mansfiled Hosiery Mills; two of these players had spent the past week in their sick beds.
With a heavy pitch and slope to also contend with, Arnold bossed the first 20 minutes before the home side started to get a hold. Chloe Jordan and Jess Adcock worked well down the left wing but shots were limited to long range efforts. At the other end keeper Emily Hallam swept up any through balls that evaded the defensive trio of Tina and Claire Potter, alongside the experienced Chay Davey.
Chances were still far and few between but there is clearly a partnership developing between strikers Molly Parker and Natasha Leach, the latter having a one on one brilliantly saved by the Mansfield keeper. Captain Jen Lorimer rolled back the years with a performance that can only be described as pure class. She always had time on the ball regardless of how many opponants she had around her, and kept it effectively simple. Beth Polak ran at least two marathons, chasing back or getting forward to  support, which earnt her the nickname of roadrunner by the Arnold bench.
The backs to the wall performance was rewarded with a clean sheet after 90 minutes, the first of the season which was massive for confidence alone. Extra time was always going to be tough as most players were on their last legs. However they gave 30 minutes which clearly amazed the home team. With heavy legs, and the home side able to make three subs it was only a matter of time before Mansfield broke the deadlock, with their forward dinking the ball over the outrushing Emily Hallam. Natasha Leach and Molly Parker still kept the defence on their toes but just able to get the break their running deserved. With three minutes left, the tie was finished as the same forward was able to lift a bouncing ball over the keeper into the empty net.
Final Score : Mansfield Hosiery Mills 2 : Arnold Town Ladies 0 (AET)
