A depleted Oldham Athletic Ladies lost 7-3 to Curzon Ashton's reserves in the Greater Manchester Women's League, despite taking a 3-1 lead in the first half.
Injury to key midfielder Kim Shaw, along with work and personal commitments, meant Latics only had 11 players. Meanwhile, Curzon Ashton’s first team game was postponed so their reserve team was strengthened with a number of first teamers.
Lauren Steel was a thorn in Curzon’s side all afternoon. She had chances in the first and second minutes before finally finding the net after 25 minutes when she rounded the keeper to slot home.
Three goals in two minutes saw Latics take a 3-1 lead. Curzon equalised but almost from the kick off Danielle Martin shot Oldham back into the lead. Then a break from Steel and a cross to the back post saw Shelby Newton fire home via both posts.
That was as good as it got for Latics. Curzon’s substitute rotation utilised all 16 players keeping them fresher. As Oldham tired Curzon got the upper hand and they scored twice in quick succession to make it 3-3 at the break.
Two identical goals within five minutes of the restart saw Curzon establish a 5-3 ahead. Corners were not cleared and, in the scramble, the ball fell to Curzon players who each time slotted past keeper Dominique Marshall.
Curzon added two further goals late in the game and, but for an excellent performance from Marshall, they could have reached double figures.
Team: Dominique Marshall, Yasmin Deane, Ginny Bennett, Cheredith Green, Nicole Brien, Shelby Newton, Danielle Martin, Gemma Smith, Sophie Neal, Anna Allport, Lauren Steel.
Middleton Athletic are the visitors to Chapel Road on Sunday, kick off 1.15pm.