Wolviston FC Ladies continued their preparations for the new season this afternoon as Guisborough Town Ladies visited Metcalfe Park for another valuable pre-season test. Fresh from last weekend’s 7-1 victory over Redcar Athletic, this represented another step up for a Wolvo side playing only their second pre-season fixture.

Newly promoted to the Durham FA County Premier League, Wolviston were facing a Guisborough side who compete in the North Riding Women’s Premier League and finished runners-up last season, winning an impressive 13 of their 18 league matches. It had all the ingredients to be a tough afternoon and for much of the opening half, it proved exactly that.

Guisborough enjoyed their best spell during a competitive first 45 minutes, edging the football for a period of around 15 to 20 minutes and making Wolvo work hard both in and out of possession. As the half progressed, Wolvo began to find their way through the Guisborough defence, with Georgia at the heart of the action.

In the 37th minute, she raced through one-on-one with the goalkeeper and found the net, only for the goal to be ruled out following an offside call from the referee. She did not have to wait long for another opportunity. Just a minute later, Georgia was through one-on-one again. This time the goal stood, as she kept her composure to finish past the goalkeeper and give Wolvo a 1-0 lead in the 38th minute.

There was then late drama before the interval. An incident in the 44th minute resulted in both sides being shown a red card, reducing the teams to ten players apiece for the remainder of the contest. Despite the disruption, Wolvo took their narrow advantage into the break.

HALF-TIME: WOLVISTON FC LADIES 1-0 GUISBOROUGH TOWN LADIES

If the first half had been a test, Wolvo really came alive after the restart. Within just two minutes, the lead was doubled. Guisborough initially intercepted a through ball but could only play it into the path of Connie, who took full advantage to make it 2-0 in the 47th minute. From there, the momentum shifted firmly in Wolvo’s favour.

Ten minutes later came arguably the goal of the afternoon. Following a throw-in, the ball found its way to Sara outside the penalty area. She unleashed an absolute screamer from distance, sending the ball flying into the top-right corner to make it 3-0 in the 57th minute.

Wolvo were now playing with confidence and the fourth followed in the 63rd minute. A short corner created the opening and, after the initial effort struck the frame of the goal, the ball bounced into the path of Holly, who was perfectly positioned to tap home.

The football continued to flow. In the 69th minute, some lovely passing involving Ezza and Sara created the space for a cross from near the corner. Georgia arrived at the back post and headed home to grab her second of the afternoon and Wolvo’s fifth.

The scoring was completed in the 76th minute. Ezza was brought down just inside the penalty area and immediately took responsibility. Picking herself up, she stepped forward and converted the resulting penalty to complete the scoring.

FULL-TIME: WOLVISTON FC LADIES 6-0 GUISBOROUGH TOWN LADIES

Another Important Step Forward.

While the final scoreline was emphatic, the afternoon provided exactly the type of test Wolvo needed at this stage of pre-season. The coaching staff were pleased with another valuable set of minutes in everyone’s legs and particularly with the way the team responded after a testing opening half. Guisborough had enjoyed a strong spell and edged the football for 15 to 20 minutes, but once Wolvo established a two-goal advantage after the break, the game increasingly began to go the home side’s way.

There were plenty of encouraging signs away from the action too. Another great crowd gathered at Metcalfe Park and the support is already beginning to find its voice. Wolvo chants could be heard from the sidelines, while it was fantastic to see some of our younger supporters proudly arriving at the ground in their replica shirts.

Only two home matches into the story of Wolviston FC Ladies and that connection between the team and the wider club is already beginning to grow.

Most importantly, everyone at Wolviston FC would like to send their very best wishes to the Guisborough player who unfortunately had to be carried from the pitch during the match. We hope the injury is not serious and wish her a speedy recovery.

Our thanks go to Guisborough Town Ladies for providing another valuable pre-season test, and we wish everyone at the club all the very best for the season ahead.

GOALS