Moors Ladies slipped to ninth in the NERWFL Premier Division following a frustrating 1-0 defeat against Ponteland United at The Brewery Field on Sunday.
Brent Smithson’s side were hoping to get back on track after four successive defeats in all competitions but a well-taken goal just before half time saw the visitors take victory.
Moors have felt the strain of a long injury list in recent weeks and went into Sunday’s fixtures without influential duo Alex Saunders and Autumn Colledge, as well as summer signings Lucy McIntosh and Brooke Newton.
Despite that, Smithson’s players put in a determined showing and the first half proved a cagey affair during which neither side managed to create too much of note in front of goal.
However, high-flying Ponteland stole in front eight minutes before the break with a neat finish and it was a setback from which Moors struggled to recover.
Holly Doogan could have brought them level on 43 minutes when she ran clear on goal, but good defending from the visitors forced her wide and her shot was saved well at the near post.
Moors kept on going and came close again midway through the second half when Amy Richardson’s deep free kick found Caitlin Bates, but her effort was also kept out by the Ponteland goalkeeper.
One bright spot on a disappointing afternoon was Moors stalwart Hannah Knox who was handed the captaincy as she made her 100th appearance for the Club.
Ponteland moved up to second in the table thank to their win, while Moors must regroup and go again when they host Sunderland West End at The Brewery Field on Sunday.
Full Time: Moors 0 Ponteland United 1
Moors: Miller, C Colledge, Knox, Drinkald, Richardson, Bates, Doogan, Elliott, Hemmingway, Dawson, Vasey.
Subs: Jackson, Brischuk, White.
Attendance: 112
