Lancaster started the game quite brightly with Ella Bookless and Libby Thwaites combining well down the right hand side, troubling Sefton’s defence but it was Sefton who scored first after a well worked passing move.
Lancaster worked hard to try to get back into the game and they nearly did when Nicola Conway worked a neat one-two with Julie Walker in the D, but it took a defender’s foot to deny Walker. Another attack down the right saw Conway again the provider when she crossed the ball in, Ali Standeven-Johns got a great touch but saw her shot hit the near post and away to safety.
Lancaster were made to rue these missed opportunities as Sefton made it two before half-time from a penalty corner. With only 10 minutes to go Lancaster grabbed a lifeline when they won a penalty corner – Conway slipped the ball left to Standeven-Johns, who fired home at the near post.
The game then became a little fraught and cards were shown for some strong tackles but Sefton managed to keep pressing hard and saw the game out.
*In a fast-paced and hard-fought game from the offset, Lancaster 2s were delighted to earn three points against Rossall 1s.
Lancaster were awarded a penalty corner which did not go to plan, allowing Rossall to speed the ball up the pitch and force a defensive error leading to their own penalty corner, which they cleanly converted to make it 0-1. In need of the points, Lancaster rallied and a long ball to Beth Davey saw her coolly tap the ball passed the ‘keeper to draw level.
Lancaster continued to press Rossall high and put them on the back foot.
A ball through from the midfield to the forwards provided Katie Oliver the opportunity to convert a great goal.
With 10 minutes to go Lancaster managed to go 3-1 up with a terrific goal from Sophie Christopherson to clinch the victory.