Last updated at 15:03, Tuesday, 18 May 2010

DALTON signed off their league campaign in style, saving a highly-entertaining game that had seemingly swung against them in the dying minutes.

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

Dalton United 2 Harraby 2

Having hampered the Carlisle side’s title ambition by inflicting their only defeat two weeks previously, Dalton again stood in their way as they needed a win to guarantee the crown.

A flat first half held little indication of what was to follow after the break.

Fearn Butler and Natasha Pearson worked hard to find space for Emily Corran, who narrowly failed to direct the ball past the Harraby keeper.

Four minutes later, an assist from keeper Michelle Jones with a specialist punt up field, set up Corran to stroke the ball home.

Dalton were resilient and worked hard to deny Harraby space and time.

Dalton looked like holding out for the three points, until, with 10 minutes to go, a hopeful Harraby cross bemused everyone and nestled in the top corner.

The final minutes were nail-biting as Dalton hung on and Harraby went for all-out with attack, going three at the back and three up front.

The 90 minutes were up and injury time was now being played as a Harraby through ball found their right winger, who guided the ball over a shocked Jones.

Wild celebrations followed from the Harraby camp, as they dreamed of lifting the league at the home of the previous champions

There looked to be no way back from this for Dalton was there were only seconds left on the clock.

Dalton, though, refuse to die and a foul on Corran 25 yards out earned a free-kick.

Corran showed nerves of steel as she knew this was the last kick of the match. She stepped up to the plate and deftly curled the ball over the wall and into the top right-hand corner, giving the Harraby keeper no chance.

Cue wild celebrations again, this time from the hosts. Defeat would have been so cruel, yet this dramatic last-second equaliser was greeted like a win.

Dalton United Ladies: Jones, Dannie Davidson, Zoe Dickens, Amy Preston, Faye Huddleston, Rebecca Turner, Lorna Fawcett, Jodie Moncure, Corran, Pearson, Butler, Katie Dixon, Jo Watson, Megan Hughes, Dannielle Currie and Sam Norman.

Player-of-the-Match: Lorna Fawcett.

l If any girl currently in Year 10/11, or ladies, are interested in joining Dalton United Ladies next season, ring club secretary Gavin Rigg on 01229 835602.

First published at 13:13, Tuesday, 18 May 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk