Winsford 3 Warrington Wolverines 1

WOLVERINES experienced their first league loss for two years and their first-ever away league defeat.

The visitors started well with most of the possession, a number of chances created and great attacking play, Warrington looked like they had the game in the bag.

And after 15 minutes midfielder Hayley Dyas put Sam Hassall through on goal and Hassall coolly placed the ball past the Winsford keeper and in to the back of the net.

Winsford’s number five took a blow to the ribs after 19 minutes following a tackle on Becky Lee.

The winded player was ok and able to carry on.

It was all going well for the Wolverines until the 27th minute when one of Winford’s first attacks saw their number 12 pass the ball into the back of the net after Wolverines goalkeeper Kim Jay made a great save to her left, which luckily for Winsford went straight to their player to make it 1-1.

Things got worse for the Wolverines when Winsford scored again after 37 minutes.

This time Winsford number nine took full advantage of a poor clearance and smashed the ball into the top right-hand corner of the goal. Winsford 2-1.

Wolverines’ heads went down, the tempo was lost and the team who were winning everything for the first half hour were suddenly becoming second to every ball, not strong enough in tackles, making poor passes, subsequently giving Winsford another chance to score.

In the 41st minute one of those poor passes was taken advantage of when Winsford made it three, chipping the ball over the keeper into the net from outside the box.

Changes needed to be made to bring fresh legs on and try something new.

Gaynor Collins was brought onto the field to give Warrington the strength needed within the middle of the park.

Warrington played better in the second half than they were playing just before half time, with chances being created and great counter-attacking play putting pressure on the Winsford defence.

More fresh legs to bring on for the Wolverines as Abbey Hickey and Julie Crook brought a new energy to the game.

Increased pressure saw Warrington win a penalty after a foul on Chatterley on 85 minutes.

The referee had no choice but to award the penalty to the Wolverines, but the spot kick struck the bar.

Wolverines tried everything to bring the score back in their favour, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

Wolverines’ day was summed up when captain Helen Dobson suffered severe cramp after landing on her leg awkwardly after winning the ball in the air inside her own half.

There were concerns as the player looked in some discomfort but luckily not as serious as first thought.