Posh Women made it three wins in a row and secured the derby day bragging rights after Bennett’s late strike secured all three points.
The Peterborough United Women secured a 2-1 victory on Sunday afternoon as they beat local rivals Northampton Town Women, thanks to a rocket from Renai Bennett in the 94th minute at Abbey Lawn.
It was a competitive start from both sides on derby day. Emily Brett searched for an early goal from Frankie Pim’s cross, but keeper Katie McLean tipped the ball over the crossbar. The visitors countered shortly after as Laila Channell’s effort hit the post and left Jade Bell to follow-up, but her shot was blocked on the line.
The deadlock was broken on 19 minutes thanks to a corner ball from Meg Lawlor that was met by Evie DRISCOLL-KING who headed home at the far post. The Cobblers equalised on 26 minutes after Alex Dicks capitalised on a Posh mistake and lobbed Neive Corry. BELL was left to volley the ball in from close range.
There was an opportunity for Lawlor before the break as she had a go from a distance, but the ball fell to McLean before Keir Perkins could tap home. As the second half commenced, the tension grew with both teams searching for a winner.
After Fletcher was carded for a late foul, the visitors made a quick throw and Dicks advanced down the left, but Corry made an excellent save at the near post. Minutes later, Katie Middleton posed a danger to The Cobblers from a corner, but her effort flew over the crossbar.
Dan Lawlor made his first change on 58 minutes as Renai Bennett came on for Poppie Brown. Shortly after, Tara Kirk came on for Frankie Pim. Lawlor made his final changes on 78 minutes as Zaiga Làcìte and Lucie Mugridge replaced Keir Perkins and Katie Middleton.
On 85 minutes, Dicks received an overhead ball and fired across the goal, but Corry kept Posh in the game with a great block. A long range rocket from BENNETT was the perfect finish to derby day as she fired home from long range in injury time.
The Posh will look to cement their bragging rights as they face The Cobblers once again in the Northamptonshire County Cup on Sunday. Posh will look to take the trophy home for another year at Wellingborough Town Football Club (2pm). All tickets are to be purchased in advance: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/northamptonshirefa
Posh: Corry, Connor, Fletcher, Driscoll-King, Perkins (sub Làcìte 78min), Lawlor, Brown (sub Bennet 58min), Middleton (sub Mugridge 78min), Brett, Hilliard, Pim (sub Kirk 67min).
Half-time: Peterborough United Women 1-1 Northampton Town Women~
Full-time: Peterborough United Women 2-1 Northampton Town Women
Referee: Joshua Brayshaw
Attendance: 199
Written by Lucy Bloxham
- Photo credit: Darren Wiles