Match report by Stuart Irvine
Horsham Women 1 (Richardson-Hughes) TD Shipley Ladies 2 (Arnold (2))
Horsham Women remain winless this season after a Kelsei Arnold double condemned them to a 2-1 home defeat against league leaders TD Shipley Ladies.
The visitors started the game brightly, finding space down Horsham’s right-hand side and pressing well, causing the home side to try balls over the top that were overhit and easy for the defence to deal with.
However, the Hornettes started to get going, with Kyrsty White their main attacking outlet, but despite some promising build-up play they lacked the quality and decisiveness in the final third to turn possession into chances.
As the half progressed, Horsham started to show a hesitation in possession that Shipley were quick to exploit, taking the lead in the 21st minute when a cross from the right-hand side found Arnold all alone to tap in at the far post.
Despite the boost of a goal giving Shipley confidence, Horsham started to grow back into the game, and they found an equaliser just before half-time after a neat one-two on the right-hand side released Sophia Richardson-Hughes in the box, and she finished superbly to make it 1–1, sending the Hornettes into the break the happier of the two sides.
First Half: Horsham Women 1 TD Shipley Ladies 1
Shipley did not mess around at the start of the second half, exerting greater pressure on Horsham’s back line, and it did not take long for them to retake the lead. Hannah Williams was adjudged to have tripped Imogen Stevens in the box in the 48th minute, and Arnold stepped up to make it 2–1 to the visitors.
After that goal, Horsham struggled to build momentum, but that all changed with the introduction of Leah Guirard & Lucy Neill. Their arrival gave the team fresh energy and Horsham grew increasingly dangerous as the half went on, having two big opportunities to level the game. First, Richardson-Hughes hit the post from range, then Eloise Williams’s close-range header went just wide.
That was as close as the Hornettes came, leaving them without a league win this season, but this was their best showing so far. They can take encouragement from their performance against the leaders, especially in the second half, while this victory keeps Shipley Ladies top of the table with their 100% record still intact.
Final Score: Horsham Women 1 TD Shipley Ladies 2