Wednesday 26th September 2007 at the Dog & Duck, Wellingborough Town FC

Match Report:  Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 1 - 0 Northampton Town Ladies

(South East Combination)

Diamonds Ladies fought out a hard earned victory against their local rivals with Mikaela Welford's first half strike enough to ensure they maintain their title challenge. Both sides battled away in a typical Derby fixture in what became a tense and bruising game. It was their third successive win against the Cobblers.

After her stint in goal against Gillingham at the weekend, manager Vicky Gallagher was able to bring in keeper Nicola Raith to face her former club. Jade Linnell and Fay Howell also started having signed from the Cobblers over the summer, Howell replacing Katie Loydall in midfield.

Northampton were suffering with an injury to their regular goalkeeper and Serena Milenkovic was named in goal. Former Diamonds Laura Sutherland and captain Lisa Porter were also in the starting line up.

The game commenced at a frantic pace, with Northampton determined to make a good start. In fact, the first ten minutes was played totally in the Diamonds half as the visitors put them under pressure from the kick-off. Diamonds had conceded a couple of sloppy goals in their previous game but the defence was determined not to make the same mistakes and cleared any lose ball up field, but that did mean it was pumped straight back into their half. Lisa Porter had a long shot on goal but Diamonds held firm and although conceding possession, never allowed any meaningful attempt on goal.

After 12 minutes of pressure and totally against the run of play, Diamonds broke out of defence. Aileen Whelan picked up the ball on the halfway line and burst through two defenders to play the ball up to Mikaela Welford. With just the keeper to beat, she fired a shot past Serena Milenkovic to give the home side a valuable lead.

Northampton tried an immediate comeback with Laura Sutherland firing a shot from the right, but the goal seemed to spur Diamonds into action and leave the Cobblers despondent. Welford was put through again moments later, but this time her shot was blocked, while both Anna McLeod and Stephanie Thompson tested the keeper from long range.  

With Diamonds having the upper hand, it wasn't until the 33rd minute that Northampton had another chance, Sophie Barrett's curling free kick nearly catching out keeper Nicola Raith. Diamonds were swift to respond again, Jade Linnell shooting wide from Welford's nod down. 

Half time: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 1 - 0 Northampton Town Ladies

After the break, Welford and Linnell combined well again leaving Linnell clear on goal only for the linesman to flag for offside. Diamonds continued to try to get that elusive second goal, but both defences stood firm with some strong tackles from both sides. Leanne Keen's shot on 59 minutes was saved by Raith, while Nicki Robson's effort from the edge of the area on 68 minutes was only just off target. Northampton were having their best spell since the opening ten minutes. Lisa Porter fired in a 35 yard free kick, but again failed to find the target.

During the final 15 minutes, Diamonds tried to counter with some good passing and possession, but a defensive error nearly set up Stephanie Gale on 80 minutes, her shot flying high over the bar to Diamonds relief. At the other end, Gallagher flicked the ball into the path of Aileen Whelan, but her shot was deflected out of play.

After an injury to Gallagher, Molly Marsh came on for the final few minutes, while Rosie Thurston replaced Linnell to bolster the Diamonds defence. Following a number of stoppages during the second half, the referee added on eight additional minutes, but Diamonds remained confident and could have added a second after a poor clearance by Serena Milenkovic, but a hurried shot from Aileen Whelan towards an empty goal went wide.   

Full time: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 1 - 0 Northampton Town Ladies

The result keeps Diamonds at the top of the South East Combination but with wins for both Lewes and Welwyn Garden City, they remain in the lead thanks to a one goal advantage (see League Table). Sundays visit to unbeaten Welwyn Garden City will be yet another tough test.

Teams:

Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Nicola Raith, Amy O'Brien, Kelly Robinson, Kirsty Cooper, Anna McLeod, Aileen Whelan, Fay Howell, Charly Wright, Stephanie Thompson (Vicky Gallagher 66, Molly Marsh 88). Jade Linnell (Rosie Thurston 88), Mikaela Welford.

Subs not used: Leanna Doyle, Laura Dunn.

Northampton Town Ladies: Serena Milenkovic, Lynsey Jelly (Sophie Capell 80), Hayley Gallacchi, Leanne Keen, Natalie Smith, Laura Sutherland, Nicki Robson(Lucy Bateman 80), Sophie Barrett, Lisa Porter, Samantha Christie (Stephanie Gale 53), Elspeth Woods.

Subs not used: Louise Banday.

Goals: Mikaela Welford 12 (1-0).

By Dave Mason

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Other results (SE Combination):

Bedford Town Bells 2 Welwyn Garden City 4

Gillingham 0 Enfield Town 3

Lewes 3 Whitehawk 1

Forthcoming fixtures:

30th September Welwyn Garden City (Away)

7th October Whitehawk (Home)

21st October Ipswich (Home)