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   Salford Ladies 3 Midddlesborough 2
Title contenders Middlesbrough made the long journey south to Salford looking for a victory to add to their opening day three points. Salford were eager to amend a triple defeat at the hands of the visitors last season. With the FA Cup loss still fresh in their minds. Salford kicked off the match at blistering pace. Straight from the kick off after some neat football the ball broke to Alicia Cain, who stabbed a shot towards goal only for the ball to rebound back off the post. Moments later another chance fell to the Salford forward this time narrowly missing out on putting the home side ahead by finding the side netting. Five minutes in and there was a goal. Disappointingly it was the visitors who took the lead. A defensive error gave Middlesbrough a simple tap in. 1 - 0. Salford were rocked. Much to the home sides credit they dusted themselves off and continued to press and peg back the opposition. As the pressure continued to mount on Middlesbrough, it seemed like it was going to be a long afternoon for the travelling team. Salford levelled the match and it was the least they deserved for their exciting and energetic start to the match. After some strong play in the midfield from Abbie Wynn the ball fell to Isha Mundell on the edge of the Boro box. The Salford player intelligently flicked the ball over the defenders head and volleyed the ball into the roof of the goal, giving the goalkeeper no chance. 1 - 1. The home sides confidence continued to grow, and after a loose pass in the Salford defence captain Fay Abrehart executed an inch perfect tackle to deny Middlesbrough an attack and set the home side on the counter. Charlotte O'Connor picked the ball up in midfield and delivered a superb pass for the Salford forward to chase. The Middlesbrough keeper charged out of her goal and with the Boro stopper in no man's land Alicia Cain rounded the away side's number 1 and brilliantly tucked the ball away to give Salford the lead just before the break. 2 - 1. The home side seemed to have settled on the 2 - 1 lead at half time, and with that complacencey stood off and allowed Middlesbrough to attack. The away side's forward managed to riggle through a couple of challenges and strike a pot shot at goal. With the ball harmlessly going wide in the panic the Salford defender diverted the ball into her own net and Middlesbrough were some how level. 2 - 2. HALF TIME 2 - 2 Salford started the second half with the same determination as the first. Playing most of thier football in the Middlesbrough half. The visitors didn't have much in reply. Due to the constant pressure from the Salford side, Boro couldn't settle into any kind of rhythm. The home side continued to press forward squandering several good chances, the home support began to show concern that this may prove costly. Salford earned a free kick wide right in the Middlesbrough defensive third. Caroline Price's expert free kick was excellently converted by Nicol Meredith to give Salford the lead much to her delight and the home support. 3 - 2. Now the test would begin. Could Salford hold there nerve? Without a doubt! Fay Abrehart denied Middlesbrough twice with brilliantly timed tackles. Chelsea Scholes continuously worked hard and forced the away side back. Rosie Havelin took the heat off by retaining good posession in the midfield. Abbie Wynn and Sarah Howden battled hard for every loose ball. Middlesbrough couldn't respond. In the later stages of the game, Salford created a chance to seal the game. Caroline Price beared down on the visitors goal. One on one with the keeper the Salford foward scooped the ball up high only for the ball to bounce down off the cross bar. Substitute Clare Daly was desperately unlucky not to score the rebound after heading wide under a heavy challenge. Salford held the lead to the final whistle. Another much deserved victory. Full Time 3 - 2. Phillips 7, Meredith 7, Abrehart 8, Scholes 10, O'Connor 8, Howden 7 (Wilkinson 7), Havelin 8, Wynn 8, Mundell 8, Price 8(Lee 7), Cain 8(Daly 7). Player of The Match Chelsea Scholes Match Summary The better team won. Salford's season is beginning to gather momentum. The hardest thing for the Salford manager will be keeping the players feet on the ground and maintain a focus on each game. The most important thing is the team are playing well. Source: L. Wynn. Salford Ladies.
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