Leverington Ladies victorious in derby clash with March

Leverington Ladies got the best of visiting local rivals March Town Ladies in the Cambridgeshire Womens & Girls County League League Cup on Sunday.

It was a usual tight derby encounter with some robust tackling from both sides in wet and blustery conditions.

The first half was an even contest with neither side managing to dominate the game.

March’s Abby Grist forced a good save from the Leverington keeper after being put through by Deva Rawlins, Ellie Godley had a shot scrambled clear and new signing Megan Ratcliffe also went close.

Leverington were kept at bay by good defending and a good performance from keeper Peggy Thurlby.

The second half and the wind allowed the home side to play more in the Hares half, with Thurlby making a couple of good saves at the feet of the Leverington forwards.

With 20 mins to go, Adele Munday was adjudged to have handled in the area and Amy Newell broke the deadlock with a fierce penalty strike.

There were plenty of incidents and chances for both teams for the remainder of the game as the Hares pushed for an equaliser.

March manager Gary Davis said: “It was a full blooded derby, which was always going to be close. My team have really turned the corner since the new year and I am pleased the way they played football on a difficult surface and conditions.

“Of particular note was the performance of our Player of the Match Del Munday who, despite some setbacks from an early yellow card and the penalty decision, played out of her skin and didn’t deserve to be on the losing team.”

Leverington are next in action on Sunday, February 27 away to Manea Sirens in another League Cup up game, with March at Chatteris Town Lilies in the same competition.