Hat-trick for Webb secures victory for Knutsford Ladies in great start to the season

Knutsford Ladies 1s were at home against Timperley Ladies 3s for the opening match of the 2017-18 season, and secured a 4–3 victory in a nail biting match which saw the lead change teams four times.

Timperley started the game strong and were on the front foot, applying pressure on Knutsford from the start. Their attacking play was rewarded about 10 minutes in when they were awarded a short corner. The initial shot was saved by Knutsford keeper Lucy White, but the rebound fell to a Timperley stick and was scrambled into the goal for the visitors to take the lead. Knutsford then rallied and started to play their own game to take back control and were soon awarded a short corner of their own. In a slick routine, Hannah Webb’s straight strike on goal found the back of the net to level the game. This was swiftly followed by another Knutsford short corner which was successfully improvised with Webb securing a second goal for Knutsford to take the lead; 2-1 going in to half time.
The second half started with end-to-end play with both teams creating several chances; a couple of Knutsford’s efforts being denied by the opposition keeper or going just wide, while stoic defending by White in goal, and Lucie Hinton in defence kept the visitors at bay. However, it looked like the game might have got away from Knutsford when the visitors were able to tuck away another 2 goals in quick succession to regain the lead at 3-2. Knutsford were unwilling to admit defeat and dug deep, driving forward as a unit to create several chances on goal. A penetrating run by Gill Lunt broke through the Timperley defence and she linked up well with Elin Rees to find the back of the net and level the game at 3-3. The momentum was well and truly in Knutsford’s favour, with Timperley on the back foot and defending hard when they conceded another short corner. Another slick move by Webb saw her deftly dodge round the first defender and fire the ball home to regain the lead for the home side at 4-3.
With the game nearly over, Knutsford tightened up their defence and were able to withstand the Timperley pressure. Despite a last minute short corner for the visitors, the Knutsford defence held strong and the 3 points were secured for the home side.
The Man of the Match vote this week went to Lucie Hinton for her solid defending, with the opposition voting Hannah Webb the Knutsford player of the game.

(Written by Liz Ball)