Women Off To Flying Start

ON A cold, sunny Wednesday afternoon, Manchester University Women’s First football team gave an assured display of pace, confidence and discipline against Sunderland University. After a slightly delayed kick-off, Manchester were off to a flying start, dominating possession from the outset.

Within five minutes, Faye Woodhouse had managed three shots on goal and showed her ability to tackle cleanly under pressure. After numerous breaks down the wing by Manchester, they eventually found the back of the net, Lauren Mullen converting a pass beyond the reach of Sunderland’s goalkeeper.

From there, shots on goal came thick and fast from Manchester and they were unlucky not to add more goals, several efforts just off target. Gezza Donnelly broke well down the wing and her persistence eventually paid off with a good flick on to Mullen who easily beat the goalkeeper.

After half time, Manchester made two substitutions to ensure they kept the quick-paced style that they had adopted from the outset, which resulted in Donnelly scoring again after a strong break downfield from Mullen. Some eye-catching touches led to another goal from Donnelly, with an assist coming this time from Mullen. With centre-back Meg was a constant threat in the air, winning every header, Manchester’s foundations were solid.

They continued to dominate as Sunderland lost what little vigour they had, but their attempts on goal were frustrated. The respite was not to last too long however when Mullen completed her hat trick with a cracking goal that left Sunderland’s keeper with no chance. Then, in the dying minutes of the game, the referee failed to spot what appeared to be a blatant offside, allowing Sunderland to snatch a consolation goal, not that they will have taken too much from it.

The match was a one-sided affair, though there was a worthy display from Sunderland’s left-winger, as Manchester’s superior ball control and technique could have doubled the score line in their favour. This was an extremely encouraging start for and definitely bodes well for the season ahead.