The summer had been all about today. Pre-season had gone well for the women – but it was all geared towards these first three points that were offer in the 2022-2023 camapign – and it the little matter of a trip to the seaside to kick it all off. Morecambe Development Women were to be the hosts for this one and as the convoy set off, there was definitely a jovial mood amongst the camp…
When we arrived, we were straight out there warming up and as the kick-off approached, all the boss had to say was to continue what we had been doing so far – work hard for each other and pass the ball well. And as they trotted out there, the faithful County fans that had made the journey north-west were in fine voice…
The girls started really well – getting it down and passing it around well on a difficult pitch. Amelia had an early opportunity which was well-saved by the home keeper and although they were defending well, we were certainly getting on top. So it was no surprise when we did take the lead – and it was that girl Amelia who got on the scoresheet. The ball was played into her and as their No.1 came out to narrow the angle, Amelia played a beautiful lob over her that dropped inch-perfectly and into the back of their net. We were off! 1-0 to County!
This was just the start the women needed and as they continued to puour forward, more and more chances were starting to come. Becci Grimshaw doubled our lead when she received the ball from the right-hand side of the penalty box and rifed her shot into the bottom corner. As her team-mates rushed to congratulate her, she was off and away and headed straight to the County fans gathered away to the right. 2-0 and we were looking good…
However, we were then guilty of taking our foot off the gas and this allowed the hosts the chance to come back into the game. They took their opportunities well and before we knew it, they were back on level-terms. 2-2 and we really needed to get back to doing what we had done so well to begin with. And as the game edged towards it’s interval, that girl Amelia once again gave us the lead when she finished well after a flowing passing move. We were back in front and had something to look after in the second-half now…
Half-time: Morecambe Development Women 2-3 BOLTON COUNTY WOMEN
As the girls trotted in, the break was well-deserved – as the weather was hot out there – and as they gulped their drinks, the coaches reminded them of how well they can play when they stay focused. We had already shown how we can create openings so we just needed to tighten up a little, keep our minds on the mission and we should be alright here. They filled their lungs with fresh sea-air and before we knew it, they were back out there ready to go again…
Within 30 seconds of the re-start, we increased our lead – and it was Amelia again that slammed her shot home after being put through by a great pass and she slotted it home with ease inside the far post. Her hat-trick and more importantly, we now had a cushion. 4-2…
The uneven surface didn’t stop our girls passing game and we continued to surge forward whenever we could. Becci and Julia – making her full league debut – hit the bar and the post respectively and with the team playing so well, our No.1 Becky Blackburn was having a quiet time as we worked as a unit to prevent the home team getting anywhere near her. The opponents were clearly tiring and as the fitness of our girls started to pay dividends, we were swarming all over them.
The passing from the girls was very good even allowing for the uneven surface and further chances came and went with the Morecambe bar and post being struck by Becci and Julia. Becky Blackburn in the County goal had a quiet second half as the team worked hard as a unit to prevent the opposition creating chances. And up the other end we were a real force – and Amelia was like a women possessed as she went on to grab another two goals to make it five for the game and give us a 6-2 lead. That surely was the points coming home to Bolton with us…
It was. Shortly after the sixth goal went in, the referee decided he had seen enough and blew his whistle to end the game – and the County girls had secured the win! What a performance! The handshakes were done with respect and we would like to thank today hosts for being so welcoming and all the best of luck for the rest of the season. But this was about Bolton County and the girls came in with smiles that showed they knew how well they had played out there. Amelia was awarded the Girl of the Game for her five-goal haul and her overall effort and a special mention goes to Lucy and Julia who made their first league appearances after joining in the summer. They proved today what great acquisitions they will be for years to come and all the girls can go home today knowing they had played their part. We got in our cars and as we made our way back down south, the points were coming with us…
A massive thank you to the fans that made the way over to cheer us on this afternoon and we look forward to seeing you again next weekend – as we host Penrith AFC Ladies Development at The County Ground and let’s hope the girls put in a repeat of this display here today…
Do you know what? We really do like to be beside the seaside…
#UpTheCounty!
