The home outfit started on the front foot, with Sharna Wilkinson’s effort in the opening minute following a corner flying high and wide of the target, with the first shot on target of the contest ensuing shortly afterwards well handled by goalkeeper Kacey Bolton-Woollam.
Boro continued to dominate the contest, keeping in general control of possession throughout prolonged spells in the opening period, with occasional press from Town however troubling the home defensive unit, providing some signs of hope for the visitors.
Michael Mulhern’s side were unable to capitalise on the later chances to ensure the deadlock remained unbroken, with further efforts from Wilkinson squandered well.
Town soon developed somewhat of a foothold in the latter stages of the first half, with Yasmin Mason unable to control the floated ball into the opposition box, as well as Caz Simone’s long range effort deflecting wide of the target.
Mason was further dispossessed shortly before the half time whistle resulting in a goalless outing heading into the break. (0-0)
Town approached the restart as they meant to finish, with Leah Embley’s cross from a wide area well claimed from the commanding opposition goalkeeper.
The game’s tempo took somewhat of a slower turn until central defender Beth Ibbotson was dispossessed in a dangerous area by Ellen Turnbull, with the heroics of Bolton-Woollam once again saving the away outfit from a one-goal deficit.
The Middlesborough weightage on the fixture continued as a credit to their heavy press, with their eventual opener occurring in the 72nd minute courtesy of Leanna Giles pouncing on a failed attempted clearance.
The Town deficit was doubled just three minutes later, with a commendable effort from Armani Maxwell settling the three points for the home side.
As the momentum shifted goalkeeper Ruby Cook was placed in the referee’s book for timewasting, as Town’s desperation for a first well denied by the Boro defensive line.
Two late chances for the Smoggies were unable to be taken advantage of as the hosts settled for all three points at the full time whistle, with Preston’s side returning to the Stafflex this Thursday as they hope to shift their league fortunes, facing Barnsley Women in a late midweek fixture.
Substitutions:
74′ Tiripke (Mallin)
81′ Montgomery (Housley)
Match Report: Harry Walsh & Joe Cooper
Photo Credits: Joe Cooper
