Weston strikes to clinch with for nine-player Notts

A second half comeback saw Notts County Ladies under-16s bounce back strongly to defeat Keyworth 2-1 at a cold and windy Platts Lane.

County played their hosts a month ago in the Notts FA Challenge Shield and despite winning 3-0, it was a tough encounter, so the team knew what they were likely to be up against it.

Keyworth didn’t disappoint as they were clearly up for the game, closing down quickly and battling for every ball.

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Playing against the wind, the young Magpies were struggling to play the ball out from the back and Keyworth’s through balls and pacey strikers were causing problems.

Just before the break, a keeper error gifted Keyworth with the opener to leave County with an uphill task.

Firm words followed at half-time and the onset of the second period saw the visitors play with a renewed purpose.

With the wind at their backs, they began to play for long spells in the home side’s half.

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Their hopes suffered a blow when wide midfielder Kelsea Marriott could longer played a part after picking up a nasty foot injury and there was no substitute to call on.

Even with 10 players, County pushed hard for the equaliser, which came from Sara Duffield who twisted and turned her way through the bodies in front of goal to smack into the bottom corner.

Just as things were looking up, the Magpies were hit with another setback when Abbie Truman received a blow to the head and, despite wanting to continue, it left the team with nine players.

Rather than sitting back and defending, County continued to push for the winner and with 10 minutes remaining County they got it as Polly Collier ran onto a through ball and helped past the advancing keeper.

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The last minutes were frantic as Keyworth threw everything at Notts, but the visitors managed to see the game out.

Player of the match was awarded to Megan Weston, who battled well and played some neat passing football.

Credit must go to Keyworth who battled throughout, but County pulled off a fine victory considering they were at a numerical disadvantage for a large chunk of the game.

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