Sunday 4th November 2007 at the Dog & Duck, Wellingborough Town FC

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

(South East Combination)

Having lost at Loughborough in the 1st Round of the FA Women's Cup last weekend, Diamonds were back in League action, but they suffered their third consecutive defeat as the goal-scoring drought continued. A goal from an Enfield free-kick after 18 minutes was enough to secure the points for the visitors.

Diamonds made several changes from last weekend, with Amy O'Brien, Rosie Thurston and Fay Howell all starting in the back four, while player manager Vicky Gallagher returned to the starting line up, replacing Stephanie Thompson who dropped down to the bench. Gallagher, Mikaela Welford and winger Charly Wright played up front in a 4-3-3 formation.

The opening exchanges were fairly even with neither side creating any clear chances on goal. Diamonds had difficulty trying to clear the ball out of defence on 11 minutes, allowing Kerry Knott a clear site on goal. Her shot from the edge of the area struck the cross-bar and as the ball came out again, Charly Wright managed to deflect the follow up for a corner. Aileen Whelan shot over for the home side after a one-two with Gallagher, while moments later Mikaela Welford had the ball in the net, but the offside flag had been raised. Diamonds were starting to press forwards and more pressure from Wright forced keeper Lou Cooper to fumble the ball away. The resultant corner was headed wide.

After a good period of pressure, Diamonds fell behind on 18 minutes. Derrie O'Halloran received a kick in the face from Laura Dunn as they both challenged for the ball just outside the Diamonds penalty area. Enfield were awarded a free-kick and as the midfielder received attention on the touchline, Jenna Schillaci fired them into the lead with a fierce right foot shot into the top corner of the net.

Diamonds tried to respond but Welford failed to beat the offside trap again as she tried to race clear. She also had a header cleared off the line following a corner from Jade Linnell, but the Enfield defence looked strong, and were able to limit the number of chances from the home side. At the other end, Schillaci fired another 25yard drive just wide, while leading scorer Kelly Townshend had two efforts, first shooting wide and then forcing a good save from Charlene Ward.

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

Diamonds started the second half with more urgency, but seemed to lack width down the flanks to trouble the Enfield defence. Charly Wright was playing in a more central role than normal, and they appeared to be relying on too many high balls to the front three, which the defenders had little problem clearing. Chances were again few and far between, and when they did win have an effort from a free-kick ten yards outside the area, Rosie Thurston sent the ball well wide.

Laura Burns had replaced the injured Derrie O'Halloran, and her shot on 57 minutes was too close to keeper Charlene Ward to cause any real problem. Diamonds continued to pressurise and although Welford appeared to be brought down on the edge of the area, the referee was not in a generous mood and play continued. Welford had another chance soon after, but shot straight at the keeper.

Diamonds made several changes with 12 minutes remaining, Stephanie Thompson and Leanna Doyle replacing Laura Dunn and Charly Wright, while Molly Marsh replaced Amy O'Brien minutes later. The move certainly seemed to give Diamonds more width with Marsh on the right flank, and Fay Howell moving forward on the left. With just a few minutes remaining, a Jade Linnell corner caused panic in the Enfield defence as a goalmouth scramble ensued, but the ball wouldn't run for Diamonds as the ball got trapped under a number of bodies. In the closing minutes, Howell and Marsh both shot straight at the keeper, while Gallagher's shot was deflected wide following a Thompson free-kick, but that goal-scoring touch had deserted them once again.

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

Diamonds take a break next week due to Gillingham's involvement in the FA Women's Cup, but they will try to end their poor run of form at Cambridge City the following Sunday (18th November).

Teams:

Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Charlene Ward, Amy O'Brien (Molly Marsh 83), Fay Howell, Rosie Thurston (c), Kirsty Cooper, Aileen Whelan, Laura Dunn (Stephanie Thompson 78), Charly Wright (Leanna Doyle 78), Vicky Gallagher, Jade Linnell, Mikaela Welford.

Subs not used: Anna McLeod.

Enfield Town Ladies: Lou Cooper, Beth Demery, Beth Lovell, Claire Gooch (c), Kerrie Marlborough, Derrie O'Halloran (Laura Burns 57), Kerry Knott, Katie Wicka, Leanne Mabey, Kelly Townshend (Sarah Kessack 88), Jenna Schillachi (Emma Kayser 88).

Subs not used: Nil.

Goals: Jenna Schillachi 18 (0-1).

Referee: Bruce Stevens

By Dave Mason

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