Words Brian Flynn | Pictures Freya Richards

Altrincham 3 Wirral United 2

Altrincham FC Women overcame a spirited fightback from Wirral United to take all three points in a pulsating encounter at Partington Sports Village.

Victory catapulted Altrincham from 5th place to top in the Cheshire Women’s & Youth Football League, Premier Division.

Following a goalless first half, the game burst, spectacularly, into life after the interval, with the Robins racing into a three-goal lead, before Wirral scored two late goals, which produced a tense finale.

The first half was easy on the eye, but chances were very much at a premium, with defences dominating, however Alex Hilton-Slee’s side were quickly out of the traps after the break and broke the deadlock in the 56th minute, when the influential Elise Jones timed her run perfectly to slot the ball past Agi Skiba.

Five minutes later, the Merseysiders’ defence was caught square again, Jones scoring her second of the game in similar fashion.

It was three goals in 10 minutes for the rampant Robins as Brogan Walsh, who tormented the Wirral defence all afternoon, with some excellent play down the left, fired home a left foot shot from outside the area.

Holly Lloyd almost made it 4-0 shortly afterwards, with a right foot effort from 20 yards that bounced off the woodwork.

The visitors were looking a bit ragged at this point but took inspiration from a magnificent effort from Sophie Pickavant, who had been a handful all afternoon but was generally well marshalled by Emily O’Leary and Brianna Morrison at the heart of the Alty back four.

Over 30 yards from goal, Pickavant spun to produce a powerful volley that dipped viciously, just clearing the angle of Caitlin Beaty’s goal.

With nothing to lose, Wirral ramped things up to score twice in quick succession to set up a nervous finale.

Altrincham defended bravely as a team, as their opponents won corner after corner in the dying minutes.

Caitlin Beaty produced two eye-catching saves and with the nerves jangling, there was relief for Alty players, staff and fans, as the referee blew the final whistle, to signal the end of a truly superb afternoon of football.

RadioAlty Player of The Match

Abi Morton, who produced an outstandingly composed and mature performance throughout at left back.