Preston North End Women showed their fighting spirit to come from a goal behind to beat Workington Reds Ladies 3-1.
After an early opener from the Cumbrian hosts, North End had a quick response through Madison Hadley.
Freya Hunt scored from the spot soon after and Hadley’s second of the afternoon before half-time was enough to seal all three points.
Conditions were very tricky on the day, with driving wind and rain causing issues for both sides, and the hosts arguably got to terms with them sooner as they went ahead inside three minutes, sending a low effort past Justine Elliott.
Despite playing against the wind, PNE soon got themselves a foothold in the game and found an equaliser on 15 minutes, when Hadley went through on goal and calmly slotted past the goalkeeper.
Hadley was causing all sorts of problems and earned North End a penalty five minutes later, being brought down inside the area, and Freya Hunt converted from the spot to turn the game on its head.
PNE then found a third before half-time as Hadley doubled her own account for the afternoon. After a lovely exchange between the striker and Liv Askam, Hadley made no mistake from a one-on-one and sent the Lilywhites into the break with a three-goal lead.
Workington came out fighting in the second period and tried to get themselves back in the game, but North End held firm and continued to create chances.
Askam, Hadley and Sam Ball all had opportunities to increase the lead, but the home ‘keeper made some fine saves to keep the game at 3-1.
At the other end the home team tested Elliott, who also pulled off a couple of good stops to preserve the lead and ensure North End held on to a valuable three points on the road.
PNE line-up: Elliott, Jacques, C. Woodhead, Sutcliffe, Parkinson, Radcliffe, Greenwood, Hunt, Hadley, Askam, K. Woodhead. Subs: Lonsdale, Ball, Stuttard.