Words Jack Worswick | Pictures Freya Richards

Altrincham 6 Northwich Vixens 1

Altrincham FC Women continued their impressive run of form to stay top of the Cheshire Women’s and Youth Football League, Premier Division with a dominant performance at Partington Sports Village.

The opening goal in the 14th minute was started by some quick thinking from goalkeeper, Caitlin Beaty, whose intelligent throw picked out Grace McArdle.

The midfielder’s intelligent through ball reached Holly Lloyd, who feinted left and right, before firing home from just outside the area.

Just two minutes later, the Robins doubled their lead, through McArdle’s 20-yard effort, which found the bottom corner.

Seven minutes before the end of the half, Elise Jones set up the third goal with a cross from just inside the left-hand edge of the penalty area, which was turned in smartly at the far post by Kira Saycell, her 11th goal of the season.

Two minutes later, Alty’s leading goalscorer then made it a quickfire double through fantastic individual play which saw her first shot come off the left hand post. When the ball was recycled and eventually worked back to the striker, she found the net again with a left-foot finish from 12 yards.

After the break, the Robins continued their high pressing game as they hit the woodwork twice before adding to their tally.

Saycell completed her hat-trick after she was found in the box by Grace Lewis, who created the goal through a pacey, direct run to the left byline.

The Vixens kept plugging away and scored a late consolation from the penalty spot, after goalkeeper Caitlin Beaty was penalised for fouling a Northwich attacker. 

There was still time for McArdle to score her second and Alty’s sixth goal from a long-range free kick.

Radio Alty Players of The Match

Grace McArdle | two goals & an assist were the obvious highlights but it was the midfielder’s overall driving performance throughout the game, that really caught the eye.

Kira Saycell | A second hat-trick in three games makes it 13 for the season for Alty’s leading goalscorer, who is on fire at present!