Latics now ready for top-of-the-table clash
Oldham Athletic Ladies gained revenge for their only defeat this season when they beat Manchester Rovers 2-1 in Division Two of the Greater Manchester Football League.
Latics were again without the injured Anette Falch, unwell Courtney Williams and unavailable Emmanuoela Chrissaki. Kim Shaw and Gemma Smith returned following their suspensions.
Within two minutes of the start, Latics found themselves on the back foot when Rovers' Amanda Hull lost her defender and broke free and slipped the ball underneath stand-in keeper Shaw.
Latics were soon drew level when player-of-the-match Shelby Newton took went past her her market and approached the box wide out on the right. Goalkeeper Samantha Ruderham advanced too far off her line and Newton lobbed the equaliser.
They went ahead after 56 minutes after a poor clearance by keeper Ruderham fell to Yasmin Deane who carried the ball forward to the by-line and her cross found Alison Barber on the edge of the six-yard box and her shot found the back of the net.
Latics ought to have won by a wider margin as twice speedy Alys Wild found herself free with only the keeper to beat but poor finishing saw her shots beaten away.
Rovers huffed and puffed in an attempt to equalise, but stout defending from Latics' back four kept them at bay.
Latics: Kim Shaw, Rebecca Dinsdale, Catherine Hyde, Cheredith Green, Nicole Brien, Gemma Smith, Harriett Busby, Shelby Newton, Yasmin Deane, Alison Barber, Alys Wild. Subs: Dawn Wild, Cedellah Kayupa, Patricia Turner.
Thought turn now to next week’s top-of-the-table clash against Reddish North End at Chapel Road's 3G pitch.