Northampton Town Women were victorious in their league encounter with Mansfield Town Ladies on Sunday, overcoming the wet and blustery conditions to seal a 5-1 win.
Goals from Francesca Partridge, Abbie Brewin, Georgia Tear, Aimee Smith and Leah Cudone meant Northampton made it two wins in as many games. Joint manager Lou said after the game, “It was fantastic to beat one of your rivals in the top half of the league.
“We won comfortably in the end, it sends out a big statement and that’s what we wanted to do.”
Northampton were tested early in the first half when Mansfield Town were awarded a free-kick just outside the area, however, Jo Daniel was able to perform a great save, turning the shot over the bar, keeping the score at 0-0.
The Cobblers took the lead in the 33rd minute after a long-range finish from Francesca Partridge beat the keeper. Player of the match, Abbie Brewin, then made it 2-0 in the 42nd minute after a great pass from Leah Cudone left Brewin one on one with the Mansfield goalkeeper.
Northampton Town went into the half-time break leading the match 2-0 and were looking strong, however, Mansfield were then able to pull a goal back in the 47th minute, making it 2-1, converting a free-kick from just outside the area.
Mansfield’s celebrations were short lived though, after Northampton’s other player of the match, Georgia Tear, made it 3-1 to the Cobblers in the 49th minute, with another long-range shot leaving the Mansfield keeper helpless.
In the final 20 minutes, Aimee Smith and Charlie Cooper were introduced in place of Emma Billenness and Francesca Partridge. It did not take Smith long to get into the action, scoring a curling shot from 20 yards out in the 79th minute,making it four for the Cobblers.
Leah Cudone then made it 5-1 in the 88th minute wrapping up a strong victory for the Cobblers.
Potential lockdown restrictions will come as a huge blow for the Cobblers Women, having already had three previous matches postponed. Joint Manager Josh Oldfield said, “COVID-19 has made things difficult; the girls have done well training for weeks with no games to look forward to at the weekend. But they’re a brilliant group and we’ve seen that today with a great result.”