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LFC Buxton win inaugural Derbyshire FA Ladies Plate in spectacular penalty shootout

LFC Buxton win inaugural Derbyshire FA Ladies Plate in spectacular penalty shootout

Paul Wood24 Apr 2018 - 20:15
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Wirksworth Colts Ladies 0-0 LFC Buxton, LFC Buxton win 9-8 on penalties

Coming into the game as underdogs to their opponents from a division higher Buxton gave their followers plenty to shout about with a tremendous battling performance and despite losing 2 key players to injury during the game emerged victorious after an unbelievably tense penalty shootout.
As predicted Wirksworth were on top for the majority of the game but found Buxton’s keeper and Player of the Game Georgia Williams in incredible form as she pulled off several excellent saves including 3 from just under the crossbar and one from an overhead kick from the edge of the box.
The first 20 minutes were relatively tight as Buxton’s defence of Shaniah Mason, Amy Taylor Rebecca Beresford and Natalie Beresford held firm and the first real shot of the game came after Jess Jordan had been fouled on the edge of the box and Natasha Lindley fired just wide of the right hand upright. Unfortunately, the tackle on Jess ended her involvement in the game and possibly several weeks as the injury looks serious, definitely more than a bruise. Next to collect an injury was captain Rebecca Beresford who in an unfortunate incident was stood on and was unable to carry on after half time, an injury that sees her out for a couple of weeks.
Wirksworth got more into the game and Buxton’s midfield were struggling to keep a lid on the possession their opponents had, and just prior to half time Georgia was forced to make several fine saves albeit from long range. However, the ladies held out and with the midfield settling down with the introduction of Jenna Cox and Emily Jones to help Mel Owen out the ladies were on even terms at half time.
The second half began with the ladies making several changes Faye Barton remained on after coming on for Jess Jordan and Joy Hodgkinson & Sofia Morrissey came on to change the formation to 3 up front alongside Natasha and whilst this left the ladies a bit more exposed in midfield they managed to press Wirksworth back and relieve the pressure at the other end. Not that it went away as Wirksworth hit the bar after a deflection and Shaniah Mason had to make a spectacular goal line clearance after the ball ricocheted off an oncoming striker and was heading in. Amy Taylor managed to clear the ensuing corner by heading just wide of her own goal and Georgia then followed up with the save of the game from an overhead kick from the edge of the penalty area.
Buxton then had a good 15 minutes where they pressed down the right with Sofia and several Emily Jones throw ins caused mayhem in the Wirksworth area where Charlotte Allerton and Laura Lloyd just failed to convert.
The final tricky period for the ladies came as the final whistle was approaching and with the game going straight to penalties they took off Shaniah & Natalie, both key defenders, in order to get the penalty takers on. The back four in the final minutes was made up of Laura (striker) Megan Pritchard (Midfielder) and Amy & Faye and credit to them that the ladies held on to force penalties as the game finished 0-0. A truly battling performance against the odds, losing 2 key players and with players all playing their parts in an excellent showing.
Having gambled at the end the ladies now had to change their predicted line up for penalties having lost Rebecca & Jess. The toss saw Buxton go first with Joy, taking a Pirlo like penalty to start with, one step into the bottom corner setting the tone for what was to follow. Wirksworth made it 1-1 and Laura then made it 2-1 before Georgia diving to her left saved the next, Natasha made it 3-1, which became 3-2 before Emily made it 4-2. Wirksworth scored to make it 4-3 leaving Sofia to possibly win it for the ladies, her strike was well hit and almost perfect but bounced off the post and with the next Wirksworth levelled it at 4-4.
Sudden death then ensued as Charlotte Allerton calmly made it 5-4 ,Wirksworth levelled, Georgia the keeper made it 6-5, wirksworth levelled, Jenna then stepped up and the keeper saved leaving the ladies on the brink of defeat only to see spirits raised as Wirksworth put the next one wide of Georgia’s right post. 6-6. Faye scored , Wirksworth equalised, Megan scored ,Wirksworth equalised 8-8, Amy Taylor ,stand in second half captain, drilled in the ladies 11th penalty to make it 9-8 and finally the Wirksworth keeper blazed over to see the ladies win in dramatic style.
The Club wins a Senior County FA Cup Final for the first time in its 44 year history and the ladies become part of history, truly amazing scenes at the end as they pulled victory from the jaws of defeat in a fantastic shootout.
Player of the Game without a doubt Georgia Williams who singlehandedly kept Wirksworth out with a string of excellent saves and the ladies showed immense determination following the injuries to key players with every single player playing their part in a massive team effort, several having to play out of position during the game , including a mention for Laura who played Centre Forward , Right Wing and Right back in a sterling outfield performance, Amy who scored the winning penalty and Shaniah who’s spectacular clearance kept the ladies in it and on course for the win.
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Alan
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