Words Ben Edwards | Picture Maisy Green

Despite an unusually lacklustre performance, Altrincham FC Women showed character to beat bottom-of-the-table, already relegated Liverpool Feds Reserves 2–1 away from home.

Francesca Boyle scored both goals, including an injury-time winner, to make it five goals in her first three competitive matches since being promoted to the first team.

Daryll Abrahams made just one enforced change to the side that picked up an emphatic 7–3 victory against Wirral Phoenix last Sunday. Sophie Hall made her first start since suffering an ankle injury in November, replacing Brianna Morrison. Though deployed in an unfamiliar centre-back position for most of the game, it did not affect her performance, as she was awarded player of the match by the opposition.

The hosts started the game brighter and won two consecutive corners after five minutes, though they were unable to make anything of them.

Boyle came close on a couple of occasions in the first half, pouncing on Olivia Kaleta’s long free-kick, but her effort was well saved one-on-one. She then received the ball from Carmen Culbert after Nat Lowe did well to switch play to the left flank. Boyle cut inside, and her effort was palmed away for a corner.

The number 18 opened the scoring after 22 minutes following a superb through ball from Lowe. It took Boyle a few attempts, but she eventually poked the ball in at close range.

Ashley Jones tried her luck from 25 yards; the left-footed low effort was pushed behind for a corner. It found Georgia McKnight at the back post, who stabbed the ball wide.

The final 20 minutes of the first half and the opening 20 minutes of the second half lacked intensity and chances. The only notable opportunity fell to Matilda Whitehead following Abbie Turner’s corner, but she could only volley wide.

Culbert’s attempt from inside the penalty area went straight down the throat of the Liverpool Feds goalkeeper, before the hosts found an equaliser in the 83rd minute.

The home side piled on the pressure with four consecutive corners, and Ireyimika Bamigboye could only head into her own net.

Altrincham reacted positively and immediately switched to a back three, finding the winning goal in the first minute of added time. Georgia McKnight made an excellent run down the right wing into the penalty area and unselfishly played the ball across goal for Fran Boyle to tap home.

You can check out manager Daryll Abrahams' post-match thoughts here.