By Charlie Hopper | Image by Ian Parker
The MinsterBelles extended their unbeaten run after a second-half strike from Jess Holder was cancelled out by a Lily Weston finish as both sides were forced to settle for a point each at Stockport Sports Village on Sunday afternoon.
Chris Holloway made one change from last weekend’s 1-1 draw at highflyers, Hull City Ladies, with Rebecca Jeffels returning to the starting line-up in place of Hannah Collins. He side made a strong start to the game and came close to scoring in the 2nd minute when Nikki Brown found Jess Holder and the winger saw her shot saved by Faye Bowness. Holder then continued her fine form and was at the centre of another attack in the 26th minute when she battled past the defenders before taking aim and stinging the palms of Bowness at the front post. Holloway’s side continued to go in search of an opening goal and in the 39th minute, Milly Ash broke clear of the defence before passing it wide for Hannah Brierley but her cross drifted straight into the arms of Bowness. Arguably the best chance of the half came just minutes later. Sophie Tinson worked her way past the defender before she fired a dangerous ball into the box only for Holder to steer it agonisingly wide of the far post.
The second half started in similar fashion with Rolandsen going close in the 48th minute before the MinsterBelles took the lead in the 52nd minute. Superb work by Rolandsen lead to Holder receiving the ball on the edge of the area and she found the bottom corner. County’s manager his first substation of the game and it seemed to have worked as they took control of the game. In the 68th minute, County looked to have levelled the game only for some last ditch defending cleared the ball off the line. The home side then equalised in the 76th minute through Lily Weston. Maria Figueiredo won the ball out wide before she fired a ball across the box for Weston to fire into the back of the net. Holloway then made three changes, in a bid to find a winner, but neither side were able to carve out any meaningful chances and were forced to settle for a point.
The result leaves the MinsterBelles three points clear of the relegation zone with a trip to Middlesbrough this weekend.
