Amid joyous scenes, Penrith AFC Ladies regained the Cumberland FA Women’s Cup as they defeated Workington Reds 2-1 in a hard fought final on Wednesday at their opponents’ ground.
Yet Penrith had been dealt a significant setback before kick-off as influential captain Kim McCormick was injured in a freak accident, leaving her with a deep cut to the leg. Carly Green was skipper in her absence and was named player of the match.
Penrith juggled their defence, with Emily Mason moving into central defence from full back, while youngster Cara Dudson came in at full back.
And Penrith looked the livelier team during early exchanges, deservedly taking the lead on 14 minutes. Hard-working Jodie English closed down and pinched the ball from a Reds defender before shooting low into the bottom corner of the net.
Soon after, Workington looked set to score but former Penrith player Sarah Smith’s shot hit the crossbar. Penrith also hit the bar with Carly Green’s long range effort.
After the break Penrith upped their game and were having the better of possession and territory. After creating several half chances, they eventually doubled their lead from the penalty spot. Player of the match Green scored after Mason had been impeded.
Workington always looked dangerous on the break, and as limbs tired the game started to open up.
Workington were rewarded on 69 minutes when Bea Barber rounded the Blues’ keeper to score.
This set up a frantic final quarter of the game as Workington threw everything at their visitors. But Penrith remained resolute and withstood the onslaught to claim a memorable victory, a year after losing the county cup final to Carlisle United after a dramatic penalty shootout.
Manager Jamie Fitzwilliam said: “It was a good game, one we controlled from the start. The early lead allowed us to relax and take the game at our own pace. It’s a great achievement, having also guaranteed a second place finish in the league, and tops off a great season. It’s a bonus to win a county cup and local recognition.”
Penrith: Hope Lawson, Emily Mason, Chloe Grisedale, Charlotte Smith, Cara Dudson, Kayleigh Wharton, Sharina Robinson, Carly Green, Abbie Forster, Stacey Harkness-Grant, Jodie English. Subs: Kim McCormick, Ellie Gallacher, Jess Nelson, Georgia Campbell, Heather Fawkes.
