Nottingham Forest Women 2-0 Fylde Women (FA Women’s National League North) 28.08.22

Andy Cook’s Nottingham Forest Women have made it two wins from two to start the 2022-23 National League North campaign, following Sunday’s, 2-0 home in, against AFC Fylde Women.

Having romped to a 6-0 success in the season, Cook’s side were made to work harder for a result which again, could have been greater, as both an offside goal, and the rattling of the crossbar, was witnessed at their Eastwood home.

The goals, they would arrive late in each half; the first, from Sophie Domingo, with five minutes remaining in the first period, was added to by Olivia Cook with a little under fifteen minutes remaining.

Both sides had chances early on, Forest’s coming from Olivia Cook and Lyndsey Harkin, whilst a penalty shout after Niamh Reynolds was upended, was waved away, whilst a couple of corners were also cleared by the visitors.

The second period went in much a similar vein as the first, with Domingo, and Becky Anderson, both having chances ahead of the decisive, second goal being scored.

The disallowed effort, that would arrive in the closing stages, the Reds continuing the hunt for more goals, but saw second half substitute, Yasmin Mosby, ruled offside when put through by Mackenzie Smith.

It mattered not though, eight goals in two games, and back-to-back clean sheets, Emily Batty unbeaten in 180 minutes of game-play so far this season, gave the Reds the points, and early leadership of the division.

Nottingham Forest: Emily Batty, Lyndsey Harkin, Georgia Hewitt (Arryana Daniels 71), Olivia Cook, Charlotte Steggles, Sophie Domingo (Naomi Powell 85), Mai Moncaster, Niamh Reynolds (Mackenzie Smith 85), Becky Anderson, Hayley James, Charlotte Greengrass (Yasmin Mosby 71)

Forest’s in, coupled with results elsewhere in the National League North, sees them joint-top of the division, leading on goal-difference, from Burnley Women, after Sunday’s games.

Burnley would edge a home game with Stoke City Women, a first-half penalty the decider there, whilst Huddersfield Town Ladies, they crashed to a 5-0 home defeat against defending champions, Wolverhampton Wanderers Women.

Other results in the National League saw Derby County and Liverpool Feds share the spoils in a 1-1 draw, and West Bromwich Albion defeated visitors Loughborough Lightning 4-1.

The next outing for Forest Women, another game at their Eastwood home, when they welcome Liverpool Feds on Sunday 4 September.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @NFFCWomen the Forest girls celebrate scoring v Fylde.