Women's Report | Wanderers 9-1 Fleetwood Town Wrens

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Bolton Wanderers Women remain unbeaten with a 9-1 win over Fleetwood Town Wrens, extending their winning run to 13 whilst remaining top the league with a nine point cushion over Penrith.

Myles Smith’s team headed into the fixture after a hard-fought win away at Workington last weekend, and hoped to continue their winning streak. The weather had prevented the game being played at Atherton Collieries, but with the great work from the Lostock ground staff, the game was able to be played behind-closed-doors.

In the 5th minute, Madison Hardman had the first notable chance of the match, firing a shot that was expertly tipped over the bar by the Fleetwood goalkeeper. Bolton continued to press with a period of goal-mouth action which almost resulted in an opening goal, but Fleetwood’s defence managed to clear the danger.

Bolton came close again in the 7th minute when Eboni Bradshaw was given space to strike, but her attempt narrowly missed the target. Despite these near-misses, the home side broke the deadlock in the 15th minute when they were awarded a penalty. Neishai Gordon stepped up confidently and converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to put Bolton 1-0 ahead.

 

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The momentum continued in Bolton’s favour and just two minutes later, Wanderers doubled their lead through a well-executed goal from Madison Hardman who finished a neat team move to make it 2-0. 

Bolton's attacking dominance was further evident in the 25th minute, when Faye Knox scored a stunning free-kick from 25 yards out. The ball flew over the wall and past the goalkeeper, landing perfectly in the top corner to make it 3-0.

Bolton remained firmly in control and in the 35th minute, Faye Knox had another opportunity but her shot from a tight angle went just wide following fantastic play by Millie Smith. 

Wanderers added to their advantage in the 40th minute when Charlotte Tyers finished off a well-timed pass from Eboni Bradshaw making it four in a clinical display from Myles Smith's side.

In added time of the first half, Faye Knox won a penalty after being fouled in the box and she calmly picked herself up to slot home the resulting spot-kick to make it 5-0.

Just moments later, Madison Hardman showcased her skill by weaving past several defenders and sending a perfect pass to Neishai Gordon, who made no mistake in finishing to make it 6-0 as Wanderers headed into the break with an impressive lead.

Wanderers started the second half in the same manner as they finished the first.  Faye Knox got her third of the afternoon, assisted by Eboni Bradshaw to make it seven. 

 

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Just ten minutes later, Neishai Gordon completed her hat-trick after a fantastic ball from Millie Smith through to Eboni Bradshaw before picking out Neishai who made no mistake to make it eight to Wanderers.

Fleetwood did however get themselves onto the score sheet on the 64th minute, when they took advantage of a Bolton defensive mistake.

In added time, Wanderers responded with a moment of brilliance. Milla Hodson, showed great individual skill, danced past two of Fleetwood’s defenders with some clever footwork before sliding a perfectly weighted ball across the penalty area to Faye Knox. With the composure of a seasoned forward, Faye fired it home from just inside the box, extending her tally to four goals for the afternoon and rounding off an excellent team performance to make the score 9-1.

 

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Wanderers head into cup action next weekend as they face Wigan Athletic in the Quarter final of the County Cup.

Wanderers: White (GK), E.Smith, Holt (C), Clarke, Bradshaw, M.Smith, Seals, Knox, Gordon, Tyers, Hardman.

Subs: E.Williams, Ardin, Hodson, Shone, Lightfoot.

Fleetwood: Warmsley (GK), Cardwell-Wilson, Duffy, Parkinson, Frankle, Hutchingson, Hendry, English, Musowe, Sanovig, Parker

Subs: Brandes, Richmond, Hunter, Stritch

Report by Katherine Byrne. Pictures by Jake Horrocks.

Read Time: 4 mins