Dale Women returned to winning ways on Sunday as they beat West Didsbury & Chorlton AFC Women’s Reserves 5-4.
Shannon Gill continued her excellent form, adding another four goals to her tally, with Jodie Cocker also on the scoresheet again.
“We went into this game knowing that we needed the result to get us going in the league,” said Lee Atkinson
“We trained really well this week and were ready for the challenge.
“In the first-half, we were unstoppable. We were moving the ball about really well and created a lot of chances.
“We took the lead through Shannon Gill, who headed home at the far post.
“Shortly after, she doubled our lead and her tally, making no mistake when one-on-one with the goalkeeper.
“We looked really comfortable. Jodie Cocker put us 3-0 up as she headed in a corner.
“West Didsbury did pull themselves a goal back following a poor clearance from a corner to make it 3-1.
“Five minutes after their goal, Shannon hit another quick-fire double to send us into the break 5-1 up.
“In the second-half, the game seemed to change, we weren’t moving the ball about, and we were guilty of missing some very good chances.
“The game should have been finished, but the opposition made it 5-2. Following that goal, they continued to pile on the pressure, and they grew in confidence.
“A 25-yard screamer of a free-kick made it 5-3. Following this, the game became scrappy. Neither side were creating any clearcut chances. We seemed to cancel each other out.
“With five minutes to go, West Didsbury scored again to make it 5-4.
“Despite that, we stayed calm and didn’t panic, which was important for us. We held on and saw the game out, claiming the three points.
“It really was a game of two halves. I’m happy to get the three points, but we need to be consistent throughout each game.
“This week's Player of the Match was Olivia Jones.
“We’ll work hard in training again this week as we prepare to face a very good Wigan side.”
The Dale Women currently have six points from three games. They did achieve a 9-2 win against Droylsden Youth Centre Ladies and a 14-1 win against Tiki Taka Women, but both of those sides have since folded, and therefore all fixtures involving them have been voided.
In their other two league games, they have beaten Mancunian Unity Women Reserves 2-1 and were narrowly beaten 4-3 by Hyde United FC Ladies, who are the league leaders, winning six of their opening seven games.
This Sunday, Dale will host Wigan Athletic Women in the quarter-final of the Lancashire County Cup.
The gallery of photos are courtesy of Amy Seddon.