Autumn Colledge scored twice as Moors Ladies moved up to third in the NERWFL Northern Division following a brilliant away victory over Chester-le-Street United on Sunday.
The midfield star grabbed both goals in Moors’ 2-1 triumph as Billy Shackleton’s side extended their unbeaten run to eight league games and further underlined their promotion credentials.
Sunday’s game started well for Moors as Drew Seymour, starting for the first time since late 2022, slipped a lovely ball through for Autumn Colledge who deftly finished past the onrushing keeper for 1-0 on just four minutes.
Courtney Mole and Lily Jackson both came close to doubling the lead as Moors began to dominate, while Coral Colledge was inches away from getting on the end of a teasing delivery from Mole.
After the break, Meg Foster saw her volley tipped over the bar by the home goalkeeper as Moors remained the better side, their performance built on a solid performance from those at the back.
Half time substitute Kira Whittle was causing problems for the host’s defence and it was her cross which almost resulted in a second goal for Katy Hemmingway but she just couldn’t force the ball home.
And it was Whittle’s long throw-in which caused panic in the Chester-le-Street area where Autumn Colledge was bundled to the ground. Moors’ top scorer dusted herself down and converted the resultant penalty to double the lead with 14 minutes remaining.
Hannah Know was denied a third goal for Moors late on before the home side grabbed a consolation on 89 minutes when a looping shot came back off the crossbar and fell kindly for the Chester-le-Street player.
“We feel as if this win is a statement from us,” said a delighted Shackleton after the final whistle.
“We knew it would be tricky because they held us to a draw at The Brewery Field earlier in the season and we know they are a good side.
“But if we want to win this league, then these are the games we have to be winning.”
Full Time: Chester-le-Street United 1 Moors 2
Moors: Saunders, Salkeld, O Mole, C Colledge, Welch-Davison, C Mole, Hemmingway, Seymour, Jackson, Foster, A Colledge.
Subs: Whittle (46), Farrugia (75), Knox (75), Kisicka (85), Doonan.
