The New Saints Ladies started their pre season campaign at home to FA Women’s Premier League Division one North West side Morecambe Ladies.

The Saints started with three youth team players in the squad. Ceri Evans, Lauren James and Maddie Jones made their first appearances for the ladies, along with Stacey Garnham and Louisa Anderson who recently joined from Allscott Ladies. Sarah Burke started on the bench for the first time since last April after recovering from her ankle injury.

The visitors started on the upped hand and were showing what they had to offer, but it was the hosts who would break the deadlock. Just before the half hour mark, Maddie Jones put the hosts into the lead. Moments later though the Premier League outfit were back into the game, leveling the score. Morecambe then took the upper hand and moments before half time their dominance paid off going into half time leading 2-1.

The second half started the same as the first had ended, with the North West side grabbing another goal. The Saints settled back into the game but Morecambe then added a fourth to their afternoon collection, firing past Ceri Evans in the Saints goal. The Saints numerous changes at half time got them back into the game, with Jade Hill converting a penalty to bring the Saints back to two goals behind.

After the game Joe Thompson commented, “We did well today. They were the better team first half and we had the better of the second and the telling difference was the cutting edge”.

“They are a week away from the start of their season and this was our first pre season game. The score line didn’t tell the whole story of the game and I am more than pleased with what I saw. Eight players made their debut or return to the club which is very pleasing and makes me excited for the season ahead”.