Crewe Alexandra Women return to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over a tricky Tranmere side...
Laura Garner's superb free-kick and Amanda Fallon's close-range effort secure all three points in CW2 for the Alex Women.
Having previously come away from Tranmere with a point earlier on in the season, the Reds were focused on getting back to winnings ways. Despite only having three players available for the bench, Matt Fisher was able to announce new signing Eve Davenport ahead of the fixture.
Crewe started on the front foot putting together a range of combinations and looking to stretch their oppponents in behind. The first opportunity of the game came in the 8th minute when Garner's corner was met by Fallon, which looked like it edged over the goal-line, but the officials waved away all appeals from the home crowd. Tranmere's 'keeper was called into action again to produce a good save low down from the lively Fallon.
Shanice Finbow came close as her header from a corner whistled just past the post. The women's pressure paid off in the end though, as Fallon was brought down just outside of the penalty area presenting Garner with the perfect opportunity to put the Alex ahead. She did just that with a fine finish into the bottom corner of the net.
After the goal, the game started to settle and Tranmere began to have a spell of the ball. Despite a lack of action in the goal-mouth, Holloway remained alert and was called upon with five minutes remaining of the first half. Moments after Tranmere's first chance, they were able to break the Alex back line by slotting the ball into the top corner of goal which looked like it took a huge deflection to prevent Holloway from getting a touch.
The Alex quickly bounced back just before the half-time whistle, with Garner turning from scorer to provider as her corner landed at the feet of Fallon who slammed the ball into the roof of the net from six-yards out.
In the early stages of the second period, Megan Parker linked up well with Emilia Edwards who was rewarded for her recent efforts in training to start for the first time under Fisher, but neither could quite test the oppositions stopper. Crewe remained resolute in the second half and limited the efforts sent towards Holloway. The Alex boss introduced Beth Ragdale late on after her recent return from injury and the home side were able to see out the win.
Immediately after the match, Head Coach, Matt Fisher said: "What a top performance from the girls in an extremely testing week. They have once again showed their fantastic work ethic and dug deep when they needed to. I was pleased overall with our game management and to get Beth back onto the pitch after such a long time on the sidelines."
He added on the recent signing of Eve Davenport: "We've been looking for an attacker for a while now and Eve fitted the bill of what we were looking for. I'm delighted it got done so quickly and that she was able to join us for Sunday's game."