Dale Women reached their second final in seven days with a 4-1 win Athletico Middleton Ladies on Sunday.
A hat-trick from Ellie Fergus, plus one from Alicia Barnett, saw Dale advance to the final of Greater Manchester League Challenge Cup, just a week after they reached the final of the Premier Cup.
Lee Atkinson’s side had to battle back from a goal down when Athletic Middleton took an early lead after having the better of the opening 20 minutes.
However, Dale responded well, gaining control of the match and impressing their style of play on proceedings. The equaliser came when Barnett cut in from the left and fired an effort into the roof of the net.
Dale created more chances before the break and were unfortunate to head into the interval level.
That dominance continued into the second period and the introduction of Fergus saw that play come to fruition.
She grabbed her first after a nice one-two with Jodie Cocker, before finding the bottom corner to put Dale ahead for the first time in the tie.
Her second and Dale’s third followed soon after. A lovely link-up with Shannon Gill saw Fergus go through on goal one-on-one and she coolly slotted home.
Despite the two-goal cushion, Athletico Middleton still looked dangerous when they forayed forward, but the defence and goalkeeper Emily Salt were able to prevent them from finding a way back into the game.
Dale’s midfield continued to control the game which allowed Fergus to complete her hat-trick late on, finishing off a fine through ball to seal passage through to the final.
“I’m incredibly proud of the players, especially of their second-half performance,” commented Atkinson.
“We moved the ball really well and played some impressive football. I’m delighted to have another final to look forward to, but we know we also need to focus on our league games coming up.
“I’m really happy for Ellie Fergus to get her hat-trick. She’s nearing full fitness and she’s showing how big of a player she is for us.”
