Contrary to last weeks performance Wanderers got off to a shaky start. They were not able to compete with Shotley’s enthusiasm and had to work hard to keep it to 0-0. Wanderers slowly came back into the game. Jo Raven sent in a low cross to Claire Turnball whose shot found the side netting. Shortly after Turnball again received the ball at the back post but her shot went narrowly wide, Shotley then took the lead against the run of play. Wanderers had trouble clearing the ball from the edge of their own area. The Shotley player then floated a perfect shot over the Wanderers keeper and in off the far post. At the other end Wanderers had a number of chances. A good spell of possession resulted in a number of corners with the ball ultimately being scrambled off the line. Roxanne Middle and Sarah Holden combined well in the centre playing in Jo Raven, who had come in from the right. Her finish gave the keeper no chance. Shotley quickly got back into the game with a shot across the face of goal. If the striker had been in the six yard box it would have been a certain goal. Wanderers then had another corner. The Shotley defender couldn't react quickly enough to clear the ball which hit her arm. The referee awarded a penalty which Claire Turnball calmly despatched for Wanderers to take the lead.
Half-time Shotley 1 – 2 Wanderers
Shortly after the restart Susan Fox played Charlotte Hayward through but she did not react quickly enough and the opportunity was missed. It was now end to end stuff. Shotley had a one on one but Zoe White in goal came out bravely to collect the ball from the strikers feet. By now Raven, Middle and Danni Clear were all carrying injuries but they all battled on bravely. Middle was holding the ball up well to allow Hayward to chase it into the channels and a number of chances were wasted by both sides. With only a few minutes remaining Susan Fox picked the ball up 30 yards out. She then stepped around 2 Shotley players before playing the ball just over the top of the keeper to make the score 1-3. Shotley battled to the final whistle but could not manage to pull one back. This was a close game played in front of a large crowd. After a slow start Wanderers came away winners as they managed to convert more of their chances then Shotley.
