Morecambe Ladies go down at Chester-le-Street

A depleted side battled hard in the North East with defeat meaning they are not mathematically safe but Norton and Stockton Ancient need a remarkable swing to turn things around being three points and 28 goals behind with a game to go.

Both sides played some decent football but with Morecambe missing Emma Kay and Megan Doherty in attack, chances were limited.

The first real talking point came on the half hour, Shrimps defender Beth Fisher bringing down Hayley English with a penalty being awarded.

Brogan Prudoe struck the stick hard down the middle but Emma Reader saved well.

At the other end a Becky Whittingham corner found Jade Thornhill’s head bringing a diving save from former Shrimps stopper Cathy Clough.

Chester-le-Street went up the other end and took the lead however with Laura Dermody’s cross being headed home by Nichole Havery.

In the second period the game went back and forth but again chances were at a premium.

Durmody brought the game to life with a fierce shot that was pushed round the post by Reader before Whittingham was denied by Clough as Morecambe went looking for an equaliser.

It was soon 2-0 however with English’s cross looping over Reader and in to double Chester-le-Street’s advantage.

Morecambe pushed to try and salvage something but ultimately came up short despite an improved display.

The Ladies finish their season at bottom of the table Sheffield United Community on May 17.