Report by SJG

NORTH WEST CHAMPIONSHIP

WIGAN ATHLETIC vs EUXTON XI

8^th December 2024

HODSON IS FOUR-MIDABLE AS TIC-ETTES PASS BIG TEST.

Avagrace Hodson was in four-midable form as Latics Women defeated Euxton Girls at the Robin Park Arena

Wigan Athletic defeated Euxton Girls on home soil to clinch all three points, making it 12 straight wins in the Lancashire Women’s County Championship League.

Four superb goals from Avagrace Hodson, a well-timed strike from Laura Heslip, and a signature goal from Ellie Cleary gave the home side the victory in what proved to be a tough battle.

Emmerson Boyce made two changes from last week’s side, with Amelia Knowles and Holly Scott regaining their places in the starting line-up.

Euxton were well supported and were sharp on the ball and after 17 minutes, found themselves in the lead. It felt like an uphill battle for the Tic-ettes, whose chances were constantly thwarted by the no-nonsense opposition. 

At the latter end of the first half, Latics finally got a crucial leveller. Cleary did brilliantly to unlock the defence, using her pace to leave her markers behind. HODSON saw her opportunity and took it, running in behind the visitors back line to meet the ball and slot it home. 

Half Time; Wigan Athletic 1-1 Euxton Ladies.

Boyce’s side had a dream start to the second half, with HODSON scoring straight from kick-off. A goal reminiscent of the Tics’ first saw Cleary win the ball and take it through the sea of Euxton players, laying it on a plate for the sharp-shooting number nine.  

Four minutes later and HODSON made it three by capitalising on a free ball and hammering it past the outstretched goalkeeper. 

HODSON was full of running and made it four in splendid fashion after beating the Euxton goalkeeper one-on-one and knocking it into the open net. 

Just after the hour mark Laura HESLIP gave Latics their fifth following a corner kick. The cross bounced off the crossbar and into a crowded box where the number seven found just enough room to get a foot to the ball and tap it home. 

Euxton rallied and pulled a goal back but it was never going to deter the home side, who bagged their sixth quickly after. After bossing the engine room and creating endless chances throughout the game, it only felt right for CLEARY to grab a goal for herself.

Latics will hope to see out 2024 in style with a win against Burnley Belvedere on Sunday 15 December.

Full Time; Wigan Athletic 6-2 Euxton Ladies.

Scorers; Hodson (39), (46), (49), (55), Heslip (63), Cleary (81); Gregson (17), Snape (69);

Attendance; 500 est.

Teams; WIGAN— (5-3-2) Moseley; Scott, McCoy, Hastie, Heslip, Merican; Carr, Baker, Cleary; Worswick, Hassall; Subs; --- Hodson

Referee; Mr. James Sumner.