Fleetwood Town Wrens Ladies had two teams in action on Sunday as the Development Squad progressed in the FA Cup and the First Team faced a very strong Salford City Lionesses side.
Starting this report off with the First Team, who were on the road at Salford City Lionesses on Sunday and, unfortunately, lost the game 5-1, but the performance from the girls didn't reflect the scoreline. The Ladies started off well and created good spells across the pitch, and even went close on numerous times, but it wasn’t until the half-hour mark when the deadlock was broken.
Emily Slater was the player to do so, however, the hosts reacted well and pulled the game back to level terms after a well-placed free-kick found the back of the net. Salford continued the pressure and soon found themselves in front, after 45 minutes.
Fleetwood continued to play well and was in the game at the start of the second half, but the hosts were clinical in front of goal and quickly took the game by the horns and put it out of sight for the Wrens. The Lionesses ensured they took the win with the fifth and final goal of the game, with forward Izzy Hendry taking Town's Player of the Match award on the day.
It was a better fate for the Development Squad at the weekend as they managed to secure a spot in the next round of the Women’s FA Cup after beating Boltonians AFC 4-3 on penalties after a heavily contested fixture at Brews Park.
The Ladies started the game as they would have wanted to, creating chances and playing some fantastic attacking football, and this led to forward Ruby Hindle not just grabbing one goal, but two on the day, which gave Fleetwood a comfortable lead going into the break.
As the second half unfolded, the Wrens appeared to take their foot off the gas and this allowed the opposition back into the game, with the opposition finding the net twice in the second half, therefore, taking the game straight to penalties.
The Ladies did well in the shootout, and a special mention must go to Fleetwood keeper Yasmin McLaren - who pulled out some outstanding saves to keep the ladies in it. Jessica Smith buried her penalty in the back of the net for Fleetwood to win the shootout and take the win. The Player of the Match award was shared by Siobhan Fryer and Jordan O'Neill.