The opening twenty minutes saw both sides cancelling each other out. However as the half aged, Northampton began to take a stranglehold of the match applying pressure that tested Corby’s resilient defence. Northampton went 1-0 ahead in the 44th minute converting a free kick from 35 yards out.
Corby started the second half brightly looking to chase an equaliser by implementing the forward press that had proved successful in pre season. This created a period of sustained pressure for the Steelwomen as they drew good saves from the Northampton keeper. Northampton looked to strike on the counter attack and came close by hitting the crossbar before scoring their second goal in the 79th minute. The striker turning sharply to find the bottom corner of the Steelwomen’s net. Corby continued to work hard and came close with a free kick of their own but were unfortunately unable to score a consolation goal that their effort and persistence deserved.
Ladies manager George Joyce reflected, “Today’s league opener was a good test against one of the best teams in the league from last season, I thought we were solid defensively throughout the game bar the two lapses in concentration for their two goals. I was pleased with how the players performed and our character. We had a few chances of our own but just could not find that killer pass in the final third. We should be proud of how we played but we are obviously disappointed with the result and have a few things to work on at training this week”.
The Steelwomen will hope to score their first win of the season when they travel to Loughborough Foxes Vixens next Sunday.