LADIES EDGED OUT BY WOLVES
This was always going to be a difficult game where discipline and temperament would be of paramount importance. To be drawn away from home to the top team in the league in the first round of the League Cup couldn't be harder but the girls showed their true potential, and came away from this game with their heads held high.
From the kick off, Wolves were caught by surprise by the Cobblers determination and commitment to win the ball. Their defence was put under pressure and after 10 minutes were forced to give away a penalty, which was duly put away by team captain Sarah Bland.
Wolves fought back but met a solid Northampton defence. Half time came along with Wolves unable to make the break through and found themselves going in 0-1 down.
From the re-start Wolves came out and scored an equaliser early on in the second half, but Northampton's pressure forced them to concede an own goal to put the Cobblers back in front.
Play went from end to end with neither side appearing to have the advantage, then Wolves equalised with a quick break away goal to draw level on 70 minutes.
Play resumed with Northampton continuing to press forward, and looked to be the side most likely to score, but with 3 minutes to go another quick break resulted in another goal for Wolves to put them 3-2 in
When the game was re-started Northampton stepped up the pace and forced a couple of corners but unfortunately, were unable to capitalise.
Despite both teams making substitutions and both teams having to treat injured players, the second half was brought to a close exactly on 45 minutes.
Had we been allowed the benefit of stoppage time, who knows but we don't make excuses. We lost 3-2 to a good side in a very even game that could have gone either way, and came out of it with a good deal of credit. Well done girls. You were a credit to Northampton Town F.C. and yourselves.
Good luck to Wolves in the next round.
Player of the match for our team, as chosen by the Wolves manager was our captain Sarah Bland. A deserved reward for a job well done.
Mention must also be made to the contribution made by Jess Paver. Despite suffering a painful ankle injury that required strapping up at half time she worked hard throughout and gave a solid and gutsy performance in defence. Well done Jess.
