ARNOLD TOWN Ladies only just managed to get a full team out for their tough away match at Kettering .
With only 10 players available on Friday night, the management had their work cut out trying to raise a team. They did eventually manage to convince one player to back out of other commitments and another to travel through the night from university in order to be able to put out a full side.
For once, Arnold managed to not conceded within the first 20 minutes and continued to look threatening on the counter attack. However, the game changed with a long pass over the top of the Arnold defence which was then finished superbly by Kettering’s number 10 to give the home side the lead. Amazingly this caused heads to drop and work rates soon followed.
Arnold dont often go into half-time only one goal behind, but the players looked as though they were 10 goals down as they trudged back to the changing room.
A chance to turn the game around soon materialised five minutes into the second half when captain Jen Lorimer was bundled over in the box; the ref pointed straight to the penalty spot. It wasn’t to be however as Jen brushed herself down but was unable to beat the keeper who made the save diving to her left.
This knocked the stuffing out of the visiting side and allowed the hosts to gain in confidence, have more time on the ball and start to become more dangerous in the final third. Elli Leathen had to be replaced following a strong challenge which saw the Kettering player booked and replaced by Ellis Marchant. The game was finally all over when a corner wasn’t fully cleared and the ball tricked in at the front post to double the lead.
Chloe Jordan still had a great chance to half the deficit when she powered through the home defence only to see her effort well saved and then cleared off the line.
Player of the match was easlily Molly Parker for her constant running and never say die attitude. Special mentions to Chloe Jordon for her time today when she had important deadlines to reach and for Jess Adcock for traveling to and from High Wycombe University at short notice to help us out.
Team: E.Hallam, B. Polak, C. Potter, C. Davey, T, Potter. E. Leathen, J. Lorimer, C. Jordan, J. Adcock. M. Parker, E. James Sub: E. Marchant
Arnold Town second team travelled to the Norman Archer Memorial ground to face Clifton Ladies in the league cup. Having won their last four matches, confidence should have been high going into this game even though Clifton are the only side to have beaten them so far this season. It wasn’t to be however as the home side recorded a comfortable 5-1 win.
There was cup action for the under 16’s and under 18’s at Eagle Valley but neither team were able to overcome their opponents. The under 16’s losing 3-1 to Wollaton Hall and the under 18’s losing 5-2 to Nottingham Fores
Unlucky Arnold. Well done Molly though for getting praise. Well deseved!