By Myles Hocknell, photo by Josh Tyler-Williams
Nantwich Town Women suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Mancunian Unity on Sunday, with the scores being even in the first half before Unity took control after the break.
The Dabbers got the game underway and made a positive start, with two excellent tackles early on denying Unity opportunities to threaten the Nantwich goal.
Amanda Fallon registered Nantwich’s first shot on target after just six minutes, with her effort parried by the Unity goalkeeper before a defender cleared the danger.
Following a brief stoppage in play after one of the linesman’s boots fell apart, the game resumed with both sides continuing to look for an opening.
New signing Mollie Newton enjoyed a bright start to her Nantwich career, showing plenty of strength in the tackles and making several impressive runs down the left. She delivered a dangerous ball into the box, although a Unity defender was able to get there first.
Unity continued to apply pressure and were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box, but the resulting effort was fired wide.
The hosts began to edge the first half, although both sides created opportunities. Connie Watts was particularly assured in the Nantwich goal, confidently collecting the crosses Unity delivered into the box to keep the scores level.
Unity started the second half on the front foot and eventually broke the deadlock when a ball across the box was poked into the goal to make it 1-0.
The hosts then doubled their advantage after passing their way around the Nantwich defence before a cross was delivered into the box and volleyed into the back of the net.
Watts continued to keep the Dabbers in the game, producing a great hand to push a dangerous cross away from the heads of the Unity attackers. She was called upon again shortly afterwards, making another strong collection to prevent the deficit from increasing.
Nantwich looked for a way back into the contest. A clever ball from Tabby Rushton released Poppy Emery on the left-hand side of the box, but her effort went narrowly wide.
Tegan Ansell then showed great strength and hold-up play to retain possession and play Alicia Hatton through, but the Unity goalkeeper got there just ahead of the Nantwich forward.
With the Dabbers continuing to search for a response, Unity added a third goal shortly before the 85th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Poppy Emery continued to test the hosts from distance late on, but her effort sailed high and wide as Unity saw out the remaining minutes.
The GOAT Player of the Match was awarded to Mollie Newton for a great debut performance. Mollie received a £50 voucher from our friends at GOAT Nantwich.
Starting 11: Connie Watts, Sasha Johnson, Mollie Newton, Sam Cawley, Tabby Rushton, Katie Greenwood (C), Layla Woollam, Josie Alderman, Amanda Fallon, Tegan Ansell, Charlotte Crees.
Substitutes: Abi Poulton, Alicia Hatton, Amber Mayer, Evie Vaughan, Poppy Emery.
Nantwich Town FC Women return to the Swansway Stadium this Sunday with a match against Poulton Vics.