LADIES 1ST TEAM FA CUP WIN AT SHREWSBURY TOWN (Chantelle Gallagher hat trick)

Leek on the front foot from the start and put Shrewsbury under pressure. Shrewsbury were will organised with players behind the ball. Paris O’Connor had the first chance for Leek with a good turn and shot on the edge of the Shrewsbury box which was well saved by the keeper. The pressure paid off for Leek when Chantelle Gallagher got through the defence and 1 v 1 with the keeper slotted home to give Leek a deserved lead.
Leek looked well on top until a clearance from out of the Leek box was adjudged to have clipped a player also, penalty to Shrewsbury. From the resultant penalty Leek Keeper Beth Cottrell made a quite brilliant save diving at full length to keep the ball out but this phase was not done as a second penalty was awarded for a push during the scramble to clear. Cottrell again got a hand to it but the power took the ball into the net for 1-1.
This gave Shrewsbury more confidence and they battled for the ball well. Leek continued to press and create several more chances but couldn’t add to the score line.
Another good move involving Lucy Goodfellow and Katie Gibbons to find Gallagher on the edge of the box who turned really well to get a shot away which just brushed the wrong side of the far post.
Shrewsbury then attacked down the middle and Naomi Sale-Hancock was alert to intercept and fellow centre back Gina Rushton played the ball out of danger.
The next Leek attack saw Amelia Robb deliver the perfect ball from the right which Gallagher headed in at close range to put Leek back in front approaching the half hour mark.
Emma Smith and Kirsty Ryder then combined well down the Leek left and Ryder cut in and got a shot away but just over the Shrewsbury crossbar.
Half time Shrewsbury Town 1 - 2 Leek Town

Leek made a substitution for the second half bringing on Katie Maya who got some good passing moves going from midfield to final third. Gallagher then had a spectacular effort from wide right hitting the Shrewsbury crossbar from an acute angle.
Maya then found Alice Painter who used her speed to burst into the box but her resultant shot hit the side netting.
The two quick forward for Shrewsbury we’re still a threat and Chloe Brown plus Amelia Robb made several good interceptions to thwart dangerous attacks.
A good run through the defence by Gibbons but agonisingly her shot was just wide of the target.
Gallagher then got herself free again and rounded the keeper to tap in Leek’s third goal to give Leek some breathing space.
Charlotte Bromley then replaced Alice Painter as Leek looked to protect what they had.
Bromley broke up the Shrewsbury attacking play well on the Leek right.
Leek then played the game out for a deserved 3-1 win.

Full Time Shrewsbury Town 1 - 3 Leek Town

Leek squad: Beth Cottrell, Amelia Robb, Naomi Sale-Hancock, Gina Rushton, Emma Smith, Lucy Goodfellow, Katie Gibbons, Kirsty Ryder, Paris O’Connor, Alice Painter, Chantelle Gallagher, Katie Maya, Chloe Brown, Charlotte Bromley, Michaela Lockett.