Ladies Football
Macclesfield Ladies 3
Southport 3
MACCLESFIELD Town Ladies looked likely to record an excellent victory against Southport - but two second-half penalties allowed the visitors a share of the points.
Macc had the best of the early play with strikers Jade Treanor and Sue Bassett causing all sorts of problems for the Southport defence. Within 10 minutes Treanor had hit the post, but then a super through ball from Natasha Roper 10 minutes later found Treanor again unmarked - and Macc were deservedly ahead as she drove past the keeper.
Macc extended their lead when another great through ball, this time from Krista Oakes, was latched onto by Treanor who shrugged off two challenges and placed the ball into the net.
The Silkgirls had a warning when a volley went inches above Lorraine Ingley's crossbar, but they went in at half time good value for their 2-0 lead.
Southport's half-time teamtalk must have worked as they came out very strongly and had Macc penned back for long periods.
Unfortunately, a handball decision and penalty let the visitors back into the match, and stirred them on to seek the equaliser.
Nevertheless, Macclesfield were still creating problems at the other end and restored their two-goal advantage when Treanor dribbled through the defence and her cross was met by a flying header by Chris Riley.
With the match in the balance, Southport again pulled themselves back with a goal on the break before disaster struck for the Silkgirls when another hand ball in the area gave Southport a chance from the spot.
They scored to set up a tense last 15 minutes where both teams threw everything forward - but the Silkgirls were forced to settle for a draw in a game they really should have won.
Macclesfield Town Ladies: Lorraine Ingley, Claire Whittingham, Jo Webb, Lisa Whittaker, Carly Smith, Natasha Roper, Chris Riley, Krista Oakes, Sue Lea, Jade Treanor, Sue Bassett, Kati Hogan, Sophie Massey.
