Preston North End Women won 5-1 against Radcliffe FC Women after a competitive game from both sides.
The Lilywhites started the game on the front foot and seemed to be on top of possession.
Despite numerous attacks, the home side struggled to get the end result, until a Katie Woodhead corner was delivered into a dangerous position which wasn't dealt with, and Cailtin Wolfenden was in the right place at the right time with a powerful header into the back of the net.
This goal seemed to make PNE take a step back as the away side picked up the pace and were closing down the ball and putting PNE ‘keeper Justine Elliott under pressure.
The next bit of action in the game came from Katie Higham with a powerful strike and she got her first goal this season.
Only a minute later, Abi Wignall received the ball down the left side of the wing and drove towards goal, finishing a one-on-one opportunity.
After a rocky first half – despite the scoreline – the Lilywhites were eager to get back on the pitch for the second half.
Although it wasn’t long before the away side scored after a mistake at the back after they played a ball in from a corner.
This goal seemed to make the away side come back fighting, being on top of the game for the majority of the second half and PNE panicking and rushing, giving every ball away.
It looked highly likely that PNE would concede another with Radcliffe being unlucky not to score.
This was all until K.Woodhead got a free-kick and Madison Hadley followed the ball in and found herself in front of goal ready for a tap-in.
Minutes later Hadley got her second of the game and made sure the Lilywhites got all three points.
The game ended 5-1 and PNE are still top of the league after six games played and only one loss.
After the game, Katie Woodhead and Katie Higham said: “We can still go up a few gears despite the result. Towards the start of the second half, we let them back in the game and dropped off. I think because we were 3-0 up, we thought we had won and dropped off but luckily pulled it together at the end.”
PNE’s next game will be Crewe away in the FA Cup on Sunday 1st October.