Team: Rachael Lee, Lizzie Melling,

Georgia Broadstock, Lucy Clifford, Emma Lysons, Jessica Mason, Hannah Lynch, Beth Stoneley,

Ellie Dooney Subs: Danielle Sumner,

Courtney Norburn, Elana Whalley

Scorer: Beth Stoneley

Wigan were unlucky not to claim all 3 points in a bruising encounter in East Lancashire. The game saw 2 Wigan players have to leave the field with ankle injuries after some early physical challenges form one Burnley player in particular.

Wigan were slow to get into the game and Burnley enjoyed the best of the early attacking spells but that changed after two bad challenges on the Wigan players. The first one was on Hannah Lynch who had to leave the field and would take no further part in the game, in fact Hannah has been ruled out for the season thanks to the challenge.

No sooner had this happened then the 2nd Wigan player was forced to leave the field as a similar challenge to the one on Hannah forced Jessica Mason off for treatment, it was unfortunate that the same Burnley player was involved in each challenge. Luckily for Jessica and Wigan her ankle wasn’t as bad and she was able to rejoin the game later on.

This spurred the Wigan team on and some great play involving Lucy Clifford and Courtney Norburn saw Beth Stoneley score with a good finish to beat the keeper on her near post. More chances came the way for Wigan but they could not find a second goal.

HT 0-1

In the 2nd half Burnley concentrated on playing football rather than the physical side and got themselves back in the game, forcing keeper Rachael Lee into a fine save when a shot seemed to be heading for the top corner was tipped over by Lee.

Wigan were still creating chances of their own but wasted good chances and were also denied by some good saves by the Burnley keeper. They also had a penalty claim waved away by the referee when Courtney was impeded whilst going for a loose ball after the keeper had spilled.

These wasted chances came back to haunt Wigan when they failed to deal with a Burnley corner and the ball broke to the Burnley forward who made no mistake from close range. Wigan had chances to force a winner but couldn’t find a way to break Burnley down and in the end had to settle for a point.

FT 1-1

Team: Rachael Lee, Georgia Broadstock, Lizzie Melling, Danielle Sumner, Emma Lysons, Hannah Lynch, Jessica Mason (c), Courtney Norburn, Beth Stoneley Subs: Lucy Clifford, Ellie Dooney

Scorers: Lucy Clifford, Courtney Norburn

Wigan played their first game of the year and their first since November, however there were no rustiness on view as they controlled the game from start to finish and the winning margin could have been more.

The early exchanges were even but any Bury attacks were easily snuffed out by the excellent Georgia Broadstock in the Wigan defence, and she was assisted by defence partner Lizzie Melling and goalkeeper Rachael Lee who commanded her box well.

Wigan created the 1st meaningful chance when Courtney Norburn released strike partner Beth Stoneley but unfortunately Stoneley lost her footing just as she was about to strike. With the introduction of Lucy Clifford Wigan began to control the game and start to cause problems for the Bury defence and it was no surprise when they took the lead, Clifford collecting the ball inside the box and then calmly cutting inside a defender before slotting the ball just inside the left and post.

Wigan almost doubled their advantage when after great play from Norburn and Hannah Lynch allowed Clifford another good shooting chance but her effort hit the post.

HT 0-1

The second half continued in the same fashion, any Bury attacks were snuffed out by the Wigan defence and defensive midfielder Emma Lysons and the hard working Clifford.

In attack Wigan were still causing problems with Jessica Mason in midfield pulling the strings trying to release the forwards to score the all important 2nd goal and it duly arrived after good work down the left by Clifford and Stoneley released Norburn with just the keeper to beat, with the keeper well off her line Norburn showed great composure to nick the ball past her before slotting the ball into the empty net with her left foot.

A thunderbolt from Clifford was brilliantly tipped over the bar by the Bury keeper and Norburn fired just wide again after great composure in the box. Danielle Sumner came close to sealing the win but the Bury keeper just beat her to the ball and Wigan comfortably saw the game out with Ellie Dooney, Broadstock and Melling excellent in defence. The final whistle brought a clean sheet for the 1st time this season to cap off a great days work for the girls.

FT 0-2

Team: Georgia Henry, Ellie Dooney, Lizzie Melling, Lucy Clifford (c), Emma Lysons, Jessica Mason, Danielle Sumner, Courtney Norburn, Bethany Stoneley Sub: Hannah Lynch

Scorers: Beth Stoneley, Hannah Lynch, Courtney Norburn, Lucy Clifford

Wigan Under 12's recorded their 4th league win of season with an impressive performance against a strong Mill Hill team. Wigan had the better of the early chances and took the lead when striker Courtney Norburn released Beth Stoneley to score her 8th goal of the season. 

The lead was almost doubled when Danielle Sumner saw her goal bound effort deflected for a corner.  Mill Hill where contributing to a good game and created several chances themselves one of which produced a fine save from Wigan keeper Georgia Henry. It didn’t take long however for Mill Hill to draw level, a cross from the right caused problems in the Wigan box and the Mill Hill forward was on hand to finish. 

The Wigan girls didn’t let this affect them to much and were soon back on the attack forcing a number of corners.  It was from one of these that they retook the lead just before half time, Lucy Clifford swung an out swinger into the box where a great late run into the box by Jessica Mason caused chaos for the Mill Hill defence and Hannah Lynch was on hand to smash in the loose ball into the back of the net.

HT 2-1

The 2nd half began with both teams trying to score the next goal, both realising this would be a crucial goal. Mill Hill had a chance to equalize after good play saw their forward receive the ball in space on the edge of the Wigan box but she rushed her shot and fired tamely at the keeper when she had more time. However Wigan were taking control of the midfield with Clifford dictating play and creating chances for the Wigan forwards and it was no surprise when Wigan added a 3rd after Norburn controlled a ball from the right brilliantly in the box before calmly slotting the ball past the keeper to make it 3-1. 

Wigan continued to press forward and made the game safe after another powerful run by Clifford saw her test her luck from distance, the keeper got a strong hand to it but could only push it into the roof of the net. 

Mill Hill pressed for a consolation goal but Wigan’s defence, marshalled superbly by Ellie Dooney and Emma Lysons kept chances to a minimum and the one time they did manage a shot Henry produced another good save to keep it out.

FT 4-1

Team – Rachael Lee, Ellie Dooney (c), Georgia Broadstock, Lucy Clifford, Jessica Mason, Emma Lysons, Kiera Thomas, Courtney Norburn, Bethany Stoneley Subs – Georgia Henry, Danielle Sumner, Antonia Jones

In a repeat of last seasons 1st round League Cup game (a game in which Burscough (won 4-0)

Wigan entertained Burscough from the West Division. It was Wigan who started the game the brightest and almost took the lead after a clever flick on by Courtney Norburn left striker Bethany Stoneley with a free shot on goal, unfortunately Stoneley fired just wide. 

Burscough took the lead shortly afterwards when a ball into the box fell allowed the Burscough forward to beat her marker and fire in a shot which give Rachael Lee no chance. 

Wigan responded well and after a great run down the left by Lucy Clifford the ball found Stoneley unmarked in the box again.  She wasn’t going to be denied a 2nd time and after bringing the ball under control hit a left foot shot into the bottom corner to bring the scores level. 

Back came Burscough and a long range effort was well saved by Lee but she couldn’t hold the ball and the Burscough forward reacted quicker to out the rebound in the net. 

Wigan again responded well and created some good openings but couldn’t find the goal their play deserved.  Just on the stroke of half time Burscough extended the lead when a magnificent shot form outside the box flew into the top corner.

HT 1-3

The score line was harsh on the home side but always this season they came out in the second half determined to get back into the game. Wigan dominated the 2nd half from start to finish and Clifford came close to halving the deficit when her shot just went wide. 

It was Clifford again causing problems and after a great run into the box her shot this time flew in to bring Wigan back into the game. But the drama was only just beginning. Norburn had a shot cleared off the line from a corner and then minutes later the same player went on a run down the left and cut into the box where she was clearly tripped, the referee pointed to the spot…penalty to Wigan. 

Clifford stepped up to take it but saw her effort saved by the Burscough keeper who was at least 2 yards off her line when the penalty was taken.  Again Wigan didn’t let their heads drop and back they came again forcing Burscough to defend deeper and deeper. 

Wigan then had a goal disallowed after great work by Norburn saw her pull the ball back from the goal line and Stoneley fired in what should have been a deserved equalizer but the referee ruled that the ball had gone out of play before the ball had been pulled back. 

The Wigan players were adamant that the ball hadn’t gone out of play and on such small margins games are won and lost. That was to be the last incident of note and the Wigan players where devastated at the final whistle. 

Sometimes football can be cruel and you don’t get what you deserve but every single Wigan player can hold her head up as they all made their manager proud. 

FT 2-3

Team – Georgia Henry, Ellie Dooney, Lizzie Melling, Lucy Clifford (c), Hannah Lynch, Jessica Mason, Kiera Thomas, Courtney Norburn, Beth Stoneley Subs – Emma Lysons, Georgia Broadstock,

Danielle Sumner 

Scorer – Lucy Clifford 

Wigan lost to Manchester City for the 2nd time this season with the exact same score as the opening day of the season but it was a close game and the result was in doubt right up until the final whistle.

Wigan enjoyed the best of the 1st half but unfortunately for them they couldn’t find a goal which their play deserved. Strikers Courtney Norburn and Beth Stoneley combined well to cause the City defence problems and it was Norburn who came close just firing wide after a great run and pass by Jessica Mason. 

It took a fantastic save from the City keeper to keep out a superb free kick from Lucy Clifford who also saw another goal bound effort headed away for a corner. Wigan forced a number of corners but couldn’t find a way past the City keeper. 

HT 0-0 

City upped their game in the 2nd half and made Wigan pay for their missed chances in the first half as they raced into a 2 goal lead, the first following a long ball over the top before the City forward setup her team mate to score from close range giving keeper Georgia Henry no chance.  The 2nd came after good work down the left produced an opening which produced a fine save from Wigan keeper Mason (who had replaced Henry in goal) but the rebound fell to a City player and she made no mistake. 

As always this season when the team have gone behind they didn’t let their heads drop and they finally got the goal their play deserved with 5 minutes remaining and it was another superb free kick from Clifford which this time the keeper could do nothing about. It wasn’t going to be the last time these 2 players duelled in the game. 

Wigan pushed 3 up front for the final few minutes to try and grab a deserved equalizer and they looked like they had done it when another fine shot from the edge of the box by Clifford looked to be flying into the top corner, however the City keeper broke Wigan hearts with another fine save to tip it over the bar. 

This was to be Wigan’s last chance and the final whistle brought to an end a very good game of football and one in which Wigan were very unlucky not to get at least a point out of. 

Next up is Burscough in the cup. 

Goals Lucy Clifford, Hannah Lynch

Team Rachael Lee, Georgia Broadstock, Emma Lysons, Lucy Clifford, Hannah Lynch, Jessica Mason (c), Lizzie Melling, Beth Stoneley, Antonia Jones Subs, Georgia Henry, Kiera Thomas, Ellie Dooney

Wigan won a hard fought contest played in glorious October sunshine.  Burnley started the game the stronger but couldn't create a clear cut chance.  It was Wigan who created the best chance of the opening exchanges after soaking up the early Burnley pressure. 

A corner whipped in from the left by Lucy Clifford was met with a full on volley by Jessica Mason but her goal bound effort was blocked on the line by a Burnley defender. 

It wasn't long before Wigan did take the lead, the outstanding Clifford finishing from just inside the area after a good spell of possesion.

Burnley hit back and produced an equalizer of real quality. The Burnley forward lobbing keeper Rachael Lee from a tight angle near the goal line giving Lee no chance. 

As ever this season Wigan didn't let their heads drop and were soon back on the attack and retook the lead shortly before half time. Midfielder Hannah Lynch collecting the ball on the half way line before running at the heart of the Burnley defence, she unleashed a shot form the edge of the box which flew into the bottom corner which restored Wigan's lead.

HT 2 - 1

The second half never reached the same heights as the first half for quality but both teams tried to score the next goal. 

Burnley did force a couple of half chances but the defence aided by the hard working midfield limited Burnley to half chances although they did force a number of corners. 

At the other end Beth Stoneley had the best chance for Wigan and she was unlucky to see her shot just go wide.  The final whistle brought relief as well as cheers but Wigan had done enough to secure their 2nd consecutive win and move onto 10 points. 

FT 2 - 1

Team: Rachael Lee, Ellie Dooney, Georgia Broadstock, Lucy Clifford, Emma Lysons, Jessica Mason (c), Georgia Henry, Courtney Norburn, Beth Stoneley Subs: Kiera Thomas, Danielle Sumner, Hannah Lynch, Antonia Jones

Wigan bounced back from 2 consecutive defeats to win but were made to fight all the way by a resolute Walshaw team. Wigan made an absolute dream start scoring 3 goals in the opening 10 minutes. 

The first came from an excellent shot from the edge of the area Emma Lysons give the keeper no chance as it flew into the top left corner.  Not to be outdone Lucy Clifford fired in a stunner from the left hand corner of the area with her so called weaker right foot to make it 2 0. 

Wigan didn't let up and after some good work down the left by Clifford saw top scorer Beth Stoneley fire in from close range for the 3rd. At this stage it was a question of how many Wigan would score. 

The front 2 of Stoneley and Courtney Norburn were causing lots of problems but the Walshaw keeper was now producing some good saves to keep the score down and made a tremendous double save to deny Georgia Henry. 

Walshaw were coming into it more as an attacking force now and just on half time a long ball caught Wigan out despite heroics from Hannah Lynch trying to get back to deny the goal with a great tackle.  However the loose ball broke for the Walshaw forward and she made no mistake with just keeper Rachael Lee to beat.

HT 3 - 1

The next was going to be crucial and both teams tried to claim it with Wigan enjoying more possesion but Walshaw causing problems on the break. 

Luckily for Wigan defender Ellie Dooney was having a fine game and was not allowing Walshaw any sight of Lee's goal.The next goal was scored by Wigan, striker Stoneley scoring her 2nd and 6th of the season prodding the ball past the keeper form just inside the area. 

Wigan came close to adding a 5th with efforts from Clifford and Jessica Mason just going wide.  However, credit must got to Walshaw who refused to lie down and another long ball caused problems for the Wigan defence and the lively Walshaw forward nipped in to set up a nervy last 5 minutes.

Wigan hung on for the points and a welcome win but Walshaw played their part in a very entertaining game.

FT 4 - 2

Wigan Team: Rachael Lee, Ellie Dooney,

Georgia Broadstock, Lizzie Melling, Emma Lysons, Danielle Sumner, Bethany Stoneley, Kiera Thomas, Courtney Norburn

Subs: Lucy Clifford, Antonia Jones

Wigan travelled to Blackpool on a sunny Sunday morning for a game against last seasons champions and current league leaders so they would have to be at their best to get something from the game.

Unfortunately Blackpool were quick out of the blocks and took the lead after just a couple of minutes. 

Only good last ditch defending from the back 3 of Ellie Dooney, Lizzie Melling and Georgia Broadstock and the Wigan keeper Rachael Lee prevented further goals in the opening stages. But the score was kept to one and slowly Wigan started to get a foot hold in the game and started to create chances of their own, Courtney Norburn and Lucy Clifford denied by the Blackpool keeper.  Against the run of play Blackpool scored their 2nd just before half time to leave Wigan with a mountain to climb.

HT Blackpool 2 Wigan 0

The next goal was going to be crucial, Wigan changed the formation to play 2 up front with Beth Stoneley moved up front alongside Norburn in a bid to get back in the game. But as with the 1st half it was Blackpool who scored early on in the half when Wigan failed to clear a corner and Blackpool finished with a shot from the edge of the box. 

This effectively killed the game and only bad finishing, more desperate defending and good saves keeping the score down. 

Blackpool added a fourth late on to leave Wigan facing the trip back home with no points.  The two goals conceded either side of half time proved crucial and left the girls with too much to do.

FT Blackpool 4 Wigan 0

Team- Rachael Lee, Ellie Dooney, Emma Lysons, Jessica Mason (C), Bethany Stoneley, Lucy Clifford, Hannah Lynch, Lizzi Melling, Courtney Norburn Subs Kiera Thomas, Danielle Sumner, Georgia Henry

Wigan lost a game that they could have easily won thanks to 2 late goals from Blackburn's Mill Hill. 

Wigan enjoyed the majority of possessionin the 1st half and played some good football and forcing numerous corners, but unfortunately could not find the back of the net to give them the goal their play deserved. 

The best chance of the half fell to Jessica Mason, who never stopped running all game, fired over after good hold up play by striker Courtney Norburn. 

When Mill Hill did get close to the Wigan box they were kept at bay by excellent defending from Mason, Emma Lysons and Ellie Dooney.

2nd half

The 2nd opened up with both teams enjoying spells of possession and threatening to score but it was Mill Hill who took the lead.  This is the 3rd game in succession that Wigan conceded 1st but as in the previous 2 games the team showed great character to get back on top of the play. 

The equalizer duly arrived after goad good work down the left finished with birthday girl Beth Stoneley scoring her 4th goal of the season. 

Wigan pressed for the winner with Norburn forcing a string of good saves from the Mill Hill keeper but it was the home team that took the points thanks to 2 late goals to break the hearts of the Wigan team. 

The team should be proud of themselves however as they played some very good football and if they continue to play that way they will win more games than they lose.

Team- Rachael Lee, Ellie Dooney, Georgia Broadstock, Emma Lysons, Bethany Stoneley, Kiera Thomas, Lucy Clifford, Jessica Mason (C), Courtney Norburn.

Subs- Georgia Henry, Lizzi Melling, Danielle Sumner, Hannah Lynch

Wigan showed great character coming from 2 goals down to score twice in the last ten minutes to earn a deserved point. 

The game was played in terrible conditions, the rain not relenting during the whole game.  Both teams adapted well and tried to play good football but it was Bury who created the first chance forcing a good save from keeper Rachael Lee. 

Bury weren't to be denied for long and just a minute later took the lead.  Wigan upped the tempo but couldn't force an equalizer before the break.

Half Time 0 - 1
The 2nd half started the same way with both teams enjoying possesion but thanks to some great defending chances were slim. Unfortunately Bury doubled their lead when a speculative shot forced a save from Lee but a Bury forward forced the ball over the line from close range. 

Wigan continued to battle and went close with long range shots from Lucy Clifford, Hannah Lynch and Emma Lysons going close. 

The breakthrough came after good pressure from the home team wen Kiera Thomas' close range shot proved too much for the Bury keeper who couldn't keep the shot out.  Suddenly Wigan were winning every 50/50 and it was no surprise when the equalizer arrived.

The ball fell to Emma Lysons on the edge of the box who stepped inside a challenge to slot the ball past the keeper.  Now it was time to see if there was enough time for a winner but time ran out and both teams settled for the point. 

Full Time 2 - 2

Team- Georgia Henry , Georgia Broadstock, Ellie Dooney, Emma Lysons, Jessica Mason, Bethany Stonely, Lucy Clifford, Kiera Thomas, Courtney Norburn, Lizzie Melling, Danielle Sumner

Preston were the better team in the first 10 minutes and forced a good save from Wigan keeper Georgia Henry before taking the lead on 10 minutes. 

From this point on however Wigan took complete control of the game and played some attractive passing football. 

Wigan swept into an unassailable 4 – 1 half time lead thanks to a stunning hat trick from Beth Stonely and one form striker Courtney Norburn.

Wigan controlled the game in the 2nd half and never looked in trouble adding a 5th from the impressive midfielder Lucy Clifford. 

Preston added a consolation late on but Wigan hung on for the 3 points.

Team- Rachael Lee, Georgia Broadstock, Ellie Dooney, Jessica Mason, Bethany Stonely, Lucy Clifford, Kiera Thomas, Courtney Norburn, Lizzie Melling, Danielle Sumner, Georgia Henry

Wigan took the lead after good work from Beth Stonely allowed Courtney Norburn to score. 

City then piled on the pressure but thanks to some fine saves from keeper Rachael Lee Wigan held out until just before half time. 

City took the lead early on in the 2nd half before Wigan had a spell of pressure late on but 2 good saves from the City keeper denied Wigan a deserved point.