Words Ben Edwards | Pictures Maisy Green

Altrincham Women 1-3 Wigan Athletic Ladies

Altrincham Women fell to a third consecutive league defeat at the hands of Wigan Athletic Ladies, the only side the Robins were yet to play in the North West Women's Regional League, Division One Central.

It was a horrible start for the hosts, who trailed inside two minutes after failing to clear their lines from a corner. An initial effort was blocked by Tammy Kwan but the Robins, despite having multiple attempts to clear the danger, were unable to do so, allowing Wigan skipper Sophie Hutchinson to finish into the top right corner.

Alty responded well to the early setback, with new signing Emily Wong linking up well with fellow debutant Kwan on the left wing and the ever-present Georgia McKnight on the right flank. The Wigan defence were effective in dealing with the wide players, though McKnight had an opportunity at a narrow angle, dragging her effort wide of the left post.

The Robins were otherwise restricted to efforts from range, with Ashley Jones striking the crossbar and Matilda Whitehead firing over. Likewise, the visitors were unable to create any notable opportunities for the remainder of the first half.

Wigan's energy levels were lifted at the start of the second half and were able to find two goals as a result. The first game from a sensational strike from Isobel Ball from 25 yards, leaving Carmen Stephens with no chance.

It was soon 3-0 with a lovely passing move. Millie Kullu had done well throughout the game in dealing with Lily Whitfield and Millie Blackburn, but on this occasion was outpaced by Whitfield who beat the offside trap. Her low cross from the right found Grace Cuffy, who produced a composed, first-time, right-footed finish into the bottom right corner.

Supporters would have been forgiven for thinking Ball's effort would be the pick of the afternoon's goals, but Wong ensured that was not the case with a stupendous free kick on debut, finding the top left corner from 35 yards and giving Alty a lifeline.

As hard as the home side pushed in the closing stages, a lack of ruthlessness prevented the Robins from finding the goals needed to mount a comeback.

Altrincham: Stephens; Vernon, M. Whitehead, McKnight, Culbert, E. Wong, Lowe (c), Kullu, A. Jones, Heathcote, Kwan.

Substitutes: Unwin, Bradley, Munt, Whittam.

Wigan: Smith; Groarke, Ainsworth, May, Blackburn, Emery, Gidman, Nebil, Davin, Hutchinson (c), Ball.

Substitutes: Power, Whitfield, Cuffy, Kemp.

HT: 0-1

Goals: Wong | Hutchinson, Ball, Cuffy

Referee: Robin Michaelides

Elite u18

Mae Winchcombe and Francesca Hamilton added to their accounts as Timur Zakirov's side picked up a 2-1 win over Bollington United u18 in an early 10:30am kick-off.

Next Up

A week's break then we're on the road on Sunday, November 29 to take on Bury FC Women Reserves.