Penrith 3 South Lakes 4

CAPTAIN Holly Nuttall opened and closed the scoring as South Lakes claimed a key victory in the Cumbria League.

The leaders extended their advantage to five points, defeating a Penrith side previously in second, and making it nine wins from nine so far in a great campaign.

The Reds made the trip expecting their toughest game of the campaign, and that was exactly what they got as the home side refused to be pegged back.

South Lakes began well, putting Penrith under pressure with some strong passes.

It took 25 minutes, but eventually they broke the deadlock to score their first goal.

With some skilful passes from the back, Catherine Cooke played the ball into Sarah Robinson. She found Lois Viney, who played down to Anna Stable. The final pass went in to Nuttall, who opened the scoring.

Within five minutes Penrith – unbeaten at home this season – made a cheeky pass down the line, a square pass into the D, and scored to level up, before applying more pressure and taking a 2-1 lead within four minutes. They held the advantage going into half-time.

After another stern talk by South Lakes coach Matt Cook, Lakes started the second half hungry to win.

They upped the ante and were confidently passing the ball back to switch through the defensive line Rebekah Nuttall, Lesley Davey and Cooke.

Robinson and Rebecca Cook were offering some great support, and with help from Holly Nuttall, the Reds were moving forward as a unit.

Emma Armstrong got hold of the ball and used her speed to dribble down the line, round the back to pass to Gemma Jupp, who placed the ball onto an opponent's foot, gaining a short corner.

Cook injected the ball to Stable, who played a quick pass through to Armstrong on the post to score and make it 2-2 on 50 minutes.

Parity did not last long, as Penrith regained the lead two minutes later from open play.

With the chance to put the game to bed, the hosts applied more pressure but, but South Lakes keeper Joy Potter made some key saves and they were able to keep Penrith at bay.

Another short corner for the visitors brought them level once more as Cook played the ball out to Holly Nuttall, who slipped it left to Jenny Clayton, whose strike found the target.

With 14 minutes to go, the game was anyone's, and South Lakes stepped up a gear, leaving Penrith with very little contribution in the final 10 minutes.

The decisive strike came as Holly Nuttall dribbled the ball into the D and around the keeper to score.

Their defence then worked as a unit to keep Penrith out, and the hard work paid off, as they held on for a well-earned victory.

While the result extends South Lakes' lead at the top, it saw Penrith drop to fourth in the Cumbria League.

The are at home this weekend, when they welcome Ambleside to Ulverston Leisure Centre on Saturday (12.30pm push-back).