Peterborough United Women made it seven league wins in a row with a 3-1 victory over Boldmere St Michaels.
The Posh Women made it seven wins from seven in FAWNL Division One Midlands as Lauren Wilshaw took her goal contribution tally for the season in all competitions to 14 with a brace, while substitute Kira Rai netted her first league goal for the club.
With only one change from last weekend’s win over Real Bedford, Jake Poole’s side looked in sync again and settled on the ball as they eyed a quick start against fellow unbeaten Boldmere.
Like us, Boldmere competed well in the early throes, with Natasha Bailey cutting inside and shooting, but Neive Corry saved comfortably down to her right.
Keir Perkins was the next source of danger, shooting across goal when she was fed in down the right, but Daisy Jenkins saved low. Jess Rousseau popped up in a sensible area to follow up, but the Boldmere defence did well to clear up.
Lauren WILSHAW then stole in at the back post to pull us ahead. Our number 17, as she has done many times this season, worked her way into space, finishing low into the bottom corner after a low centre from Jess Rousseau.
It was then a real test of character for Poole’s side, who were made to settle for a period out of possession. Boldmere, who played each minute with no lost spirit, threatened next when Natasha Bailey raced through on goal, but Corry did well to cut out a shooting angle.
James and Hines both fired over with presentable opportunities before Posh doubled the lead and it was WILSHAW once more, curling home via the underside of the crossbar from just inside the box.
A searching ball went from left to right and across the midfield to set up Anna WILCOX, who turned away from her marker and sent her attempt into the top corner – an instant response from the Mikes.
It was so far, so good for Poole’s side at the break. And the lead came so near to being extended when James’ strike dropped over the bar. Jenkins tracked the ball the whole way, but the visitors’ number one took no risks.
Having pulled one back already, the away team went in search of an equaliser, which nearly came when Wilcox headed wide.
Wilshaw – in an area that looked too far out to shoot – cut inside in trademark style and curled one towards goal where Jenkins tipped over.
Poole turned to the substitutes' bench and it proved to be a great decision. Wilshaw crossed for James, whose header was tipped onto the crossbar and out by Jenkins. RAI was in the right place to finish on the rebound, taking our lead back to two.
Again, the crossbar played a big role, keeping out the visitors’ late search for a goal, before Poppie Brown hit a shot wide at the other end in the remaining minutes.
Posh: Corry, Connor, Hines, Driscoll-King, Rousseau (sub Andersen 68min), Perkins (sub Rai 68min), Reynolds (sub Brown 63min), Stanford (sub Lawlor), Pitt, Wilshaw, James. Unused subs: Sharpe, Clarke.