Henton hat-trick leads Magpies’ victory charge

After a slow start, Notts County Ladies Development Squad’s first team ran out emphatic winners at West Bridgford.Even though the visitors were well in control early on and had plenty of chances and possession, it took 36 minutes to find the back of the net.Robyn Henton won the ball in midfield, ran the ball forward and unleashed a rocket shot from the edge of the box to score.County were peppering the home goal and denied time and time again by good goalkeeping and the woodwork.On 40 minutes a heavy tackle saw left-back Lauren Marsh forced to leave the field of play with a nasty injury and she replaced by Courtney Evans.The game was re-started and just before the half-time the Magpies doubled their lead when Henton won the ball from a goal kick and slotted through the Bridgford defence for Courtney Walters to hit low into the corner.The second period got underway and on 55 minutes Lauren Yeomans, returning back from injury made way for Androulla Kokkinou.Great first time passing down the left side resulted in a wonderful goal as April Bingham cut inside and opened up to hit a sweet shot, lobbing the keeper for 3-0.On the hour, County grabbed a fourth when Anna Horton slotted the ball through for Henton to thump into the bottom corner.Just ten minutes later, Jasmin Bear made no mistake after receiving a wonderful pass from Bingham to lob the keeper.Three minutes later Jess Wibberley, Bear and Walters combined to set up Hneton, who completed her hat-trick.Number seven came with both Courtneys combining and Walters finishing with a cheeky goal through the advancing keeper legs.The last two goals of the afternoon came from Kokkinou with a poacher’s strike and then a sweet volley.Player of the match was awarded to the birthday girl and triple goalscorer Henton.The team are away next week to Mansfield Hosiery in the Notts FA County Cup second round.