Middleton Park FC Ladies 0
Pontefract Sports & Social Club Ladies 6

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In true grassroots fashion, Middleton started the game with only eight players due to three of their number having trouble finding the ground.

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Despite this, they started well and it took a fine last ditch tackle from the Pontefract defence to prevent them from taking the lead.

Following the resulting corner, Middleton were restored to their full quota of eleven players and shortly after that, conceded the first.

It wasn't to be the first time that Pontefract's pace beat the Middleton offside trap and all that was left was for the number nine to coolly slot the ball home.

A contentious tackle in the Middleton penalty area on twenty minutes, saw the Pontefract number seven stretchered off with ankle ligament damage.

Despite the Middleton left back being bundled over in the tackle, Pontefract were incensed not to have been awarded a penalty. With no substitutes, Pontefract were down to ten players.

This did not deter them however and their pace and composure on the ball saw them beat the Middleton offside trap time and time again. With the half-time score at 3-0, the game was done and dusted.

To their credit, Middleton Park did not give up. To freshen things up, Caroline Omboyi came out of net in the second half with Diane Middleton taking her place.

Kady Lee and Emma Rowling combined superbly well at right back and centre back respectively to keep the tricky Pontefract left winger quiet however, once again the back four were beaten by the pace of the Pontefract front two who were ruthless in front of goal.

A fourth quickly became a fifth and the game was wrapped up when the sixth was tucked away in the 80th minute, leaving the Middleton goalkeeper stranded.

A collision in the Middleton penalty area, led to another Pontefract player needing treatment and she was soon followed by another. Just like Middleton at the start, Pontefract finished the game with eight players.

Middleton pushed on looking to get something from the game and although there were some notable shots on target from Lieran Docherty and Jennifer Hague, the team as a whole will rue their missed chances.

Now that they have their first game under their belt, the team look ahead to the Republica game next weekend.

A team whose ability are known only too well.

Middleton Park FC Ladies squad: Caroline Omboyi (GK), Elizabeth Marks (LB), Diane Middleton (CB), Emma Rowling (CB), Kady Lee (RB), Romy Bearder (LM), Jennifer Hague (RM), Emily Taylor (CM), Elizabeth Smith (CM), Lieran Docherty (CF), Sarah Jackson (CF).

* Middleton Park men's first and reserves teams were also in action over the weekend. With 10 squad members unavailable due to injury, both teams are still in search of their first wins of the season.