There was no shortage of goals or drama in the FA Women’s Premier League on Sunday with big victories and upsets aplenty in the Northern and Southern Divisions.
Guiseley Vixens secured their first win of the season as they beat Leicester away from home to move off the foot of the table.
Here’s a round-up of all the drama from an action-packed weekend in the FA WPL.
NORTHERN DIVISION
Natasha Flint got the scoring underway in the eighth minute before Lagan Makin and Lynda Shepherd added two more in the opening 15 minutes.
Shannon Weston pulled a goal back for County but a Jess Holbrook strike in the 32nd minute meant it was 4-1 at the break. Shepherd and Makin both added to their tally to complete the convincing victory for Rovers.
Guiseley Vixens moved off the bottom of the table with a hard-fought victory away at Leicester City.
Jess Heald opened the scoring for the Vixens before Charlotte Greengrass fired home from close range to level.
Emily Heckler then beat the offside trap to restore the visitors’ lead before heading in a second with three minutes to spare. Paige Crossman netted in injury but it wasn’t enough to deny Vixens a first league victory.
A fine strike from Danielle Whitham helped Huddersfield Town beat Wolves 2-0 and stay second in the table. Ella Harries bagged a goal in the 92nd minute to round off the victory.
Elsewhere a late strike from Bianca Owens helped Middlesbrough keep their gap at the top of the table to nine points as they defeated West Brom 3-2.
SOUTHERN DIVISION
It was a goal fest in the Southern Division and there was a big victory for West Ham United against QPR as they prevailed 10-0.
A hat-trick from Kelly Wealthall, braces from Amber Stobbs and Ellie Zoepfl along with goals from Chantelle Mackie, Rosie Kmita and Andria Georgiou completed the rout.
Meanwhile Crystal Palace remained top with a 5-2 victory at Cardiff but C&K Basildon are in hot pursuit, downing Coventry 1-0 thanks to a Zoe Rushen strike.
A brace from Danielle Lane helped Lewes stay fourth after a 2-0 victory over Gillingham.
And there was a victory for Portsmouth over bottom of the league Swindon, goals coming from Daisy McLachlan, Katie James and substitute Sammy Quayle.
Crystal Palace maintained their push for the Southern Division crown in emphatic fashion as they beat Cardiff City 5-2 in a seven-goal thriller.
GAME OF THE WEEK
Bianca Owens has been in fine form this season and continued to add to her reputation with a hat-trick as Middlesbrough beat West Brom 3-2.
Owens opened her account after 20 minutes before Nicole Dale made it 1-1 three minutes later.
A beautiful volley from Owens restored Boro’s lead but that was again short lived as Gina Burton got the Baggies back on level terms.
The game had a thrilling climax as Boro were awarded a penalty with eight minutes remaining – allowing Owens to claim the victory and the match ball.
MANAGER OF THE WEEK
Guiseley Vixens manager Glen Preston will be absolutely thrilled with the way his side battled to their first victory of the season as they downed third placed Leicester City 3-2. The result moved Preston’s side ahead of Wolves.
GOAL OF THE WEEK
It was a sensational day for West Ham United and they brought up the double figures in sumptuous fashion against QPR as Andria Georgiou unleashed a powerful strike that went in off the crossbar.
