Report: Myra Shay 1-6 Rangers Ladies

Dewsbury Rangers Women produced an outstanding performance on the road as they defeated Myra Shay 6-1, recording an impressive victory against opposition from a division above.

Rangers made an excellent start to the game and quickly established control, racing into a 3-0 lead with a confident and clinical display.

Emily Wright opened the scoring to give Rangers the perfect start before Beth Coates doubled the advantage. Emma Smith then added a third with an excellent long-range strike as Rangers continued to dominate proceedings.

Credit must also go to Myra Shay, who are a very good footballing side and continued to try to play the right way despite finding themselves three goals behind. Their quality in possession made the result all the more impressive for Rangers.

Myra Shay managed to find a response right on the stroke of half-time, reducing the deficit to 3-1 as Rangers headed into the break with a deserved two-goal advantage.

The second half saw Rangers continue where they left off, showing no signs of allowing their opponents back into the contest. The Rangers defence also produced a particularly solid display, mopping up well whenever Myra Shay threatened and restricting a talented attacking side to just the one goal.

Georgia Lane restored the three-goal advantage with a superb strike from around 25 yards, making it 4-1.

Beth Coates then added her second of the afternoon to put Rangers firmly in control at 5-1, capping another excellent attacking display from the visitors.

The afternoon also provided a memorable moment for 16-year-old Freya Smith, who made her senior debut for Rangers. Smith was introduced at half-time, replacing Leah Connolly at right-back, and produced a superb second-half performance. Her composure and quality on her senior debut will be a huge source of encouragement as she continues her development within the club.

There was still time for one final twist in the closing stages. Coates was handed the opportunity to complete her hat-trick from the penalty spot, but her effort was saved. Rangers reacted quickest to the rebound, however, with Emily Wright following up to score her second of the afternoon and complete the scoring at 6-1.

The victory represents an excellent result for Rangers against a Myra Shay side competing a division higher, particularly given the quality of football the hosts produced throughout the afternoon.

With six goals scored, another impressive all-round performance, a strong defensive display and a senior debut to remember, Rangers can take huge confidence from the result as preparations for the new season continue.

Goals: Emily Wright (2), Beth Coates (2), Emma Smith, Georgia Lane.

Starting XI: Butler, Bates, Thompson (C), Scott, Connolly, Morn, E. Smith, Lane, Wright, Coates, Kitchen.

Substitutes: Ward, F. Smith, Burkinshaw & Thomas.

Next Fixture: Rangers Women travel to face local rivals Batley FC on Sunday 23 August.