South Lakes 3 Ulverston 0

SOUTH Lakes started their 2018 in style, beating rivals Ulverston in a New year derby.

Lakes could not match the eight goals they scored against their neighbours on the opening day of the season, but they still grabbed three and maintained their 100 per cent Cumbria League record.

Natalie Knowles, Gemma Jupp and Pam Robertson all netted in the second half to make it 12 wins from 12 and maintain a six-point gap at the top with 10 matches to go.

South Lakes began with the ball and immediately put pressure on Ulverston, with some skilful play from Holly Nuttall, Lois Viney and Jupp.

They went looking for the opening goal, but Ulverston’s keeper was on fire and pulled off some high-quality saves, making it difficult for Lakes to score.

The Reds continued putting pressure on with a great run from Emma Armstrong, who dribbled into the D and released Anna Stable, but her strike was again saved.

Ulverston put up a good fight and made a rare break, which was soon taken back under control by Catherine Cooke and Rebekah Nuttall.

Sarah Robinson got hold of the ball and passed across to Jenny Clayton, Clayton played the ball out to Robertson, who dribbled down the line and released it to Stable, whose ball struck an opponent’s foot.

South Lakes were awarded a short corner, and Rebecca Cook injected the ball to Holly Nuttall, whose effort was saved before the Whites managed to clear for long corner.

Although South Lakes had most of the possession, Ulverston put up a great fight and were awarded two short corners, both of which were cleared as the score remained 0-0 going into the break.

There was a quick attack from Lakes in the second half, with Cook playing the ball out to Armstrong, who found Robertson. She played down for Armstrong, who dribbled around the back of the defence and switched across for Knowles to score a much-deserved goal opener.

The Reds kept up the pressure and were awarded two more short corners, both of which were saved.

But the second goal came as Knowles played the ball from the top of the D to Lois Viney, who found Jupp to turn and score.

In response, Ulverston made a break and dribbled down the line, putting Lakes under pressure, but their shot was comfortably saved by Joy Potter in the Lakes goal.

With seven minutes to go, the home side made the game safe as they were awarded another short corner.

Cook played the ball in to Holly Nuttall, who held it before switching to Robertson for goal number three.

South Lakes travel to second-bottom Carlisle seconds on Saturday, a side they defeated 15-1 back in September at Ulverston Leisure Centre. Ulverston are at home to Dalston.