Still Unbeaten!

Wilmslow Albion Women maintained their unbeaten start in the league, defeating Hindley Town with a Paige Clarke brace.

In a well-contested encounter, Wilmslow Albion Women emerged victorious with a 2-0 win over Hindley Town Ladies, thanks to a brace from Paige Clarke and a hard-earnt clean sheet. The match got off to an electric start as Albion opened the scoring just a minute in. After a goal kick from Jada Worthington, the ball was expertly controlled and played forward to Paige Clarke, who made a brilliant run into space before calmly finishing into the bottom left corner of the net to give her side an early lead.

Hindley responded well, forcing several corners, though they struggled to create clear-cut chances in the early exchanges. Worthington was called into action midway through the first half, pulling off a fantastic save to deny Hindley a potential equalizer. This moment galvanised the home side, who regained control and looked dangerous going forward. A couple of substitutions for the home side didn't disrupt the flow, and in the 30th minute, Liv Bradshaw had a promising opportunity to extend the lead, but her shot was well saved by Hindley’s goalkeeper. Hindley had a period of possession towards the latter stages of the half, although Wilmslow's defence stood firm, and a Hindley free kick in the 44th minute did not result in a goal as the half drew to a close.

The second half started with more of the same, with Wilmslow continuing to dictate the play. Just after the break, seconds into the second half, Clarke doubled her tally, getting her second goal of the match with a composed finish from inside the area. The striker’s second goal seemed to take the wind out of Hindley’s sails, and despite some promising moments on the counter, Albion remained largely in the ascendancy. Olivia Bradshaw had another opportunity but her shot was once again kept out by Hindley’s goalkeeper. The home side continued to move the ball well, retaining possession and looking for further opportunities.

Albion suffered an injury blow on the 70 minute mark as Maia Lewis was forced off with a hamstring injury. Hindley mounted a late push, and in the 85th minute, they were able to force a shot on target through number 20. However, Worthington was equal to the effort, making a crucial save to keep the clean sheet intact. The match ended with Wilmslow claiming the 2-0 win.

Player of the match: Paige Clarke.

Next up it's Albion v AFC Chorlton in the Challenge Cup, Sunday 17th November 2pm at Oakwood Farm.

Report by Henry Metcalfe

Men unlucky in defeat

Albion’s men team let a half time lead slip in a 2-1 defeat at home to Radcliffe Town.

After an impeccably observed minute’s silence for Remembrance Day, the early stages of the match were disrupted by an injury to Albion forward Tyler O’Neill, forced off with a dislocated shoulder. Replacement Allen Quinney was soon in the thick of the action, seeing a vicious shot from the edge of the area well saved. On 36 minutes Albion took the lead, a curling shot from Billy Rooke finding the top corner. A bad tempered end to the half saw a Radcliffe player go in the referee’s book for a retribution foul on Reuben Rogers, followed by the Radcliffe manager for arguing with the referee.

Hopes were high for Albion to maintain their recent good form, but a slow start to the second half saw the visitors draw level after 56 minutes. A free kick from the right was headed back across goal, and bundled in from close range. A Malik free kick gave the home side hope of regaining the lead, but he fired over the bar. Radcliffe immediately punished this miss, taking advantage of some sloppiness in the home defence to take the lead. One final chance for Albion on 80 minutes saw a lovely cross from Lucca Patterson narrowly headed over the bar by Rowan Merriman, but in the end the away side left Oakwood Farm with all three points.

Albion are currently scheduled to travel to Little Lever next week, Saturday 16th November for a 2pm kick off.