Two first half goals from Becca Drinkald were enough to clinch an impressive victory at Wallsend Boys Club in the NERWFL Premier Division on Sunday.
The midfielder’s brace earned three more points for Brent Smithson’s in-form side who moved within two points of the top four as a result.
Having defeated Wallsend 4-0 at The Brewery Field earlier in the month, Moors made the trip to Tyneside in good heart.
However, they were thankful to keeper Sophie Miller for making two fine saves inside the first 10 minutes of the contest to prevent the home side from taking an early lead.
Moors came into the game as it developed though, and Hannah Knox came close when she rattled the crossbar before Caitlin Bates sent a shot just wide of the target.
Sophie White escaped through on goal for Moors but couldn’t find a finish, while Eva Mysleyko was denied the opening goal by a good save from the Wallsend keeper.
It should have been 1-0 in 33 minutes when Kelly Garcia was pulled back inside the area, but she couldn’t convert from the resultant penalty as the Wallsend keeper again came out on top.
The breakthrough arrived on 41 minutes when Amy Richardson’s corner into the box wasn’t dealt with by the home side’s defence and Drinkald was there to tap it into the net for 1-0.
Just two minutes later, it was 2-0. Great work from Bates saw her cross for Drinkald who showed good composure to slip it past the keeper and double Moors’ advantage.
Bates could have made it 3-0 on the hour but for another good save from the home side’s goalie but Moors stayed in control and saw the game through for three points.
“It was a tough test because Wallsend are much improved since they came to our place,”
“They are fit, fast and physical – and for the first 20 or 30 minutes we needed Sophie to make two tremendous saves to keep us in the game.
“After that I think the experience and knowhow of some of our players began to tell and the difference was that we were able to take our chances at the right times.”
Moors Ladies now turn their attentions to their encounter with Bradford City which will take place at The Brewery Field on Sunday 30th April (2pm kick-off).
Full Time: Wallsend Boys Club 0 Moors 2
Moors: Miller, C Colledge, Knox, Drinkald, Mysleyko, White, Richardson, Bates, Jackson, Garvia, Vasey.
Subs: Doogan, Hemmingway, Sangha, Rackstraw, McIntosh.
