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The first team fell to their first defeat of the season with a very tight game against last seasons league champions Blackburn Rovers.

Rovers had the better of the early exchanges and Laura Carter made a good save with her feet 8 minutes in.

Emily Heckler shot wide 10 minutes later with Town's first real attack.

Blackburn were playing the ball around nicely but creating very few chances then on 27 minutes they shot over Carter's crossbar.

Town weathered the storm and gradually started to put more pressure on the Rovers goal.

5 minutes before half time a corner for Town resulted in a goal mouth scramble but, eventually went out for a goal kick.

In the 42nd minute Heckler played a great ball over the top and Kate Mallin made no mistake, and dummied the goalkeeper to put Town ahead.

Half time 1-0

The second half was a tough one and Town picked up 2 early yellow cards which ultimately changed the game.

With a card each for Annabelle Cass and Cara Bickett, they were each in danger of receiving another and it eventually led to both being substituted.

Mallin almost doubled Town's lead in the 55th minute when she broke clear but was forced wide by the Rovers keeper, eventually putting her shot just over the bar.

On the hour mark good work down the right from Saffron Jordan beat 2 defenders and then played the ball in to Jess Holbrook to tap home.

7 minutes later and Rovers took the lead, this time from a corner and goal mouth scramble and Kaylea Cunliffe eventually turn the ball home.

Town continued to look for the equaliser and but for one or two dubious off side decisions may have done it.

In the end Rovers held on to maintain their unbeaten record of this season and last.

 

Next Sunday the first team travel to Derby County, 2pm kick off.

 

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