Tigresses leap big hurdle in Stockport win

The Tigresses overcame a tough battle and a game of limited chances to secure a seventh straight league win. Shakala Brookes scored the only goal of the game, racing through from a Hope Knight pass and win the 3 points for the home side

Hull City Ladies had never beaten Stockport County in the FAWNL era, with their last victory over the Cheshire side coming in January 2016, so the relief and celebration was understandable against a side who had become somewhat of a bogey side for City

The hosts had the first chance, a flick from Brookes played in Lynksey who’s fierce volley sailed just wide the the post. County had the better of the early chances, without really testing Wallace in the home goal. Gillin with best of the chances, but the cut back was riffled into the Humber.

For City, Lynksey and Ackroyd had good chances ruled out by the linesmans flag

HT  0-0

Second half the Tigresses came out far hungrier. Hunt had a good effort from a corner fly over the bar, before Brookes then pounced on a cross to the near post and the following cutback was cleared desperately away

City could have had a penalty. A swift break from a County corner found Brookes, who played a raking ball over the top for Knight. First the nibble from the defender then the hand from the goalkeeper but the ref didn’t think much to them and found a freekick for the visitors instead

Then the goal came. Another break from a Stockport attack. Bott and Lynksey combining brilliantly to open the spaces, and Knight received and drove forward before releasing the electric Brookes who, with the first touch, chipped the onrushing Bowness

A few late Stockport corners were well defended and, unlike the reverse fixture, the game was seen out

FT 1-0