05:00PM, Friday 19 July 2024
Aleasha Lunn in action against Sutton United. Photo: Darren Woolley
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Maidenhead United Women stepped up their pre-season preparation last Sunday afternoon at Cox Green Leisure Centre with a controlled performance and a 2-0 victory against Step 5 outfit Sutton United, writes Neil Maskell.
The U’s had caused Maidenhead no end of problems in their epic FA Cup tie back in November last year, the Magpies winning through by four goals to three after extra time against the London and South East Regional League outfit.
On this occasion, Ed Jackson-Norris’s side dominated the ball throughout and created plenty of chances, only to be denied on several occasions by the inspired visiting ‘keeper Marnie Humphries. A side featuring a number of eager new faces trialling for a spot in Jackson-Norris’s FA Women’s National League squad were frustrated not to have opened their account in the first half. Izzy Stockton saw her shot saved after a good move and United were twice denied by the crossbar in a matter of moments, the second occasion saw Simone O’Brien ultimately strike the woodwork from an offside position. The impressive Aleasha Lunn saw a ‘goal’ chalked off for offside.
Second half substitute teenager Macey-Nikiah Walters was put through on goal early in the second half but dragged her shot wide – her moment was to come later on, however. The lively Walters set off on another run towards goal and the loose ball fell to Lunn whose acrobatic overhead effort was well turned over by Humphries. The goal which finally opened the scoring saw a rare moment of misjudgement from Humphries who was in two minds as to whether a bouncing ball following a defensive block would constitute a back pass and the ball bounced apologetically into the net.
Humphries was able to shrug off any disappointment at finally being beaten in such tame fashion as she made a smart stop from Simone O’Brien. Freya Meadows-Tuson nodded the ball wide from a Walters corner but the result was put beyond doubt with eleven minutes remaining as Walters scored a tremendous left-footed effort from outside of the box via the underside of the crossbar. Humphries was to have the last say in her on-running battle with Lunn as she pushed a well struck effort from the Magpies winger around the post but United were otherwise satisfied with the outcome.
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