[P]enrith travelled to Bury for this mid week fixture facing their 3rd tough game in 6 days. A young lively Bury team was always going to be a tough ask with tired limbs and Penrith knew they had to start well. And with 2 goals in the opening 5 mins Penrith did just that. After only a minute Charlotte Smith headed home Nat Broad’s corner. Then on 5 mins Georgia Campbell broke clear in the right before slotting the ball passed the on rushing keeper.
Bury tried to respond and Penrith keeper Michelle Jones twice had to make brave saves.
A very entertaining first half saw both teams have their opportunities with their constrasing styles. Bury relied on a sharp, passing game complemented by blistering pace up front while Penrith played a pressing game and were much more direct in their attacking intensions. To a large extend two teams cancelled each other out.
However on the stroke of half time Penrith extended their lead when Becca Alderson lashed home he loose ball from another corner.
HT 0-3
Into the 2nd half Bury started brightly and pulled a goal back 1-3. Penrith responded as Nat Broad pounced on the rebound from a save to make it 1-4.
Penrith seemed to be cruising to a comfortable victory however limbs were tiring and the midfield area was opening up. Suddenly Bury struck 2 quick fire goals to make it 3-4 and all of a sudden the game was in the balance again.
Sarah Smith settled Penrith nerves with a bravely finished effort which restored the 2 goal lead (3-5).
Penrith professionally saw out the final 12 mins of the game to claim another valuable 3 points.
This Sunday Penrith entertain Burscough in their final league game of the season.
Penrith: Jones, Nelson, Alderson, C.Smith, McCormick, Fawkes(Frizzle), Nutter(Johnston), Campbell, Broad, Hopton, S.Smith.