The Alex struggled in the opening stages of the game and the hosts took an early lead. This triggered Matt Fisher to change the formation with Parker having a more attacking role and top scorer Laura Garner playing deeper in the middle of the park.

 

The plan worked immediately as Ragdale grabbed an equaliser on the half hour mark. Her looping effort caught the Darwen number one out and the tie was back level.

 

Crewe finished the half on top and carried this into the second period. Fisher opted to make a change in the 60th minute with Pemberton replacing Laura Pearce and she had an instant impact in the middle of the park.

 

Pemberton struck the ball sweetly into the bottom corner from the edge of the area. 

 

Edwards should have extended the lead after being fed through one-on-one but she missed the target from close-range.

 

The Alex piled the pressure on and Ragdale grabbed her second of the game heading home a Laura Garner corner.

 

Parker capped off her Player of the Match performance late on, with some slick play which saw her play a one-two with Pemberton before smashing the ball home.

 

Head Coach, Matt Fisher said: “The girls showed great character. The conditions were bad for both teams with a very heavy wind. The changes we made both in formation and personnel had an impact and we are happy to get a big three points away from home.”