The 2021/22 NWWRFL season finally got underway with 16 matches and 83 goals across three divisions.

Premier Division Round Up

The Division’s newbies kicked off their first ever step 5 game with a 3-1 win away to former WNL side Mossley Hill. Two goals from Saffron Newhouse and Feiruz Abdullahi gave the Lionesses a 2-1 lead before Newhouse made the points safe in the second half. Eleanor Doyle responded with a goal for the home side.

It was a thriller at Park Road Stadium as Cheadle Town Stingeres came from two goals down to down AFC Darwen Ladies 4-2.  Goals either side of half time from Sarah Greenhalge had put the Lancashire side in a commanding position but Cheadle pulled a goal back through an own goal before a Rach Dunlop brace turned things around. Liz Potier added a fourth shortly before the end to secure three points.

Early season favourites (said by us in the preview with didn’t publish) Merseyrail worked hard to overcome the resistance of Morecambe.  Having enjoyed themselves watching Chelcee Grimes take centre stage at Soccer Aid on Saturday night Merseyrail found themselves held at 1-1 at half time at Admiral Park by the Shrimps.  Two second half goals including a decisive goal from Mille Critchely ensured the Rail started with a 3-1 home win.

Crewe Alexandra and Fleetwood Town Wrens had to settle for a point apiece at the Cumberland Arena. Amanda Fallon gave the Railwaymen the lead on 33 minutes before Ellie Parkinson pulled brought the Wrens level with seven minutes remaining.

Tranmere Rovers ensured they finished round one top of the standings as they defeated West Didsbury & Chortlon 5-2 at Ellesmere Sports Village.

Division One South Round Up

A quiet first 45 minutes saw the second half burst into life at Tameside Stadium as the meeting of two of the division’s heavyweights burst into life.  

Chester took the lead as debutant Imogen Paul played in Rach Lever who made it 1-0 to the Seals before Lucy Adderley doubled their lead from the penalty spot.  The visitors were reduced to 10 as Louisa Doran saw red. 

Curzon took full advantage and halved the deficit through Lauren Beckford before Captain Amy Smith equalised with a 25 yard free kick.  The Curzon number 9 gave the Nash the lead with a chip from outside the area. Smith then turned provider she laid on a through ball for Simon Drummond to make it 4-2 with Emma Gray pulling a goal back to make it 4-3 before the final whistle.

There was a win for two of the divisions new faces as Alder came away from Cheshire with an impressive 3-1 win at Altrincham.  Laura Kelly gave Alty a first half lead before goals fro Lauren Brown, Jolene Murray and Lydia Jones gave Alder three points on their travels.

Mollie Bennett took just 11 seconds to open her account for the season as Northwich Vixens won 4-1 at home to Mersey Valley.  Jess Salameh made it 2-0 with Sorcha Brammell making it three.  Mersey Valley pulled a goal back through Ellie Doggett but Vixens secured three points and a fourth goal through Toni Woodward.

Warrington Wolves got their season up and running with an impressive 4-2 win away to Runcorn Linnets. Warrington took the lead after 18 seconds and were 2-0 to the good after 10 minutes through Mel Darby.  Linnets pulled a goal back through Mollie Hewitt on 36 minutes and made a game of it until Wolves extended their lead on 54 minutes and again on 67 thanks to Nic Chatterley and Emily Walton.  Becky Barker made it 4-2 on the day after 77 minutes but it proved to be only a consolation.

Hindley Juniors defeated an injury hit Didsbury side 4-1 whilst Wythenshawe Amateurs v West Kirby was postponed on Saturday.

Division One North Round Up

Where to begin with this one? Not one but TWO teams hit double digits as Haslingden announced their arrival in NWWRFL with an 11-2 win over Chorley Development whilst Penrith were 12-1 winners at Morecambe Reserves. Penrith’s goals came courtesy of Abbie Forster, Jess Lawson, Carly Stevenson and Stacey Harkness-Grant.

A Madison Hadley hat-trick and a brace from Jade Clegg got Blackburn Community off to a winning start as they down Accrington Stanley at the Stanley Sports Hub with the visitors running out 5-0 winners.

It was the perfect start for Blackpool as they ran out 4-0 winners away to Carlisle United.  The Tangerines secured their first win of the season through Keisha Masterson, Lily Hambly, April Oldfield and POTM Molly Kelly.

Workington Reds were 3-1 winners at home to Preston North End thanks to goals from Hayley Bracken, Hannah Green and Naomi Foster.  Courtney Woodhead responded for the visitors.   Finally, Penwortham Town defeated Sir Tom Finney 3-1 at the UCLAN Sports Arena.