Peterborough Northern Star stepped up their pre-season plans with at Lowestoft on Sunday in an event dubbed ‘The Champions Cup’, as it featured the East Midlands League winners aganst the Eastern League title holders.
Three 40-minute games were played with Lowestoft winning the first game 1-0, Star taking the second by the same scoreline thanks to a 30-yard ‘worldy’ strike from midfielder Abbey Young.
The third game finished 1-1, Young again scoring the Star goal and being denied another when the keeper produced an incredible save from point-blank range to keep out her thunderbolt strike.
Lowestoft then went on to clinch the trophy with a 5-4 penalty shoot-out win.
Star travelled the long distance with a 13-woman squad, including a couple of young teenagers making their debut at the higher level and the whole squad was utilised in a variety of positions in the games, which were played in very hot and humid conditions.
‘Although the ‘cup’ made it a little more competitive then, primarily it was a good friendly to help fitness levels and get the team back to playing 11-aside football again’, said Star boss Steve Iredale. He added; ‘The two youngsters who played stepped up and worked hard and the seniors players used the game to get back into the swing of things’.
With their debut start of the FA Premier League season now a month way, training is stepped up and the team have a confirmed friendly against Cambridge United on the 9th August.
Iredale is still hoping to add to his squad before the season starts; ‘We’ve lost two players out with season-long injuries before we even start, so there’s a couple of areas of the team where we’ed like a bit more strength and I’m hoping to persuade at least one more local player that the WPL is the place to play her football’.
Star are currently training every Thursday night – interested players are more than welcome to attend the sessions. Tel / Txt boss Iredale on 07944 574131.
Pictured – PNS at a recent Woburn Tournament success.
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