Report: Rangers 5-4 Rossington Ladies

Dewsbury Rangers Women produced a superb comeback from three goals down to claim a deserved 5-4 victory over Rossington Ladies in an entertaining pre-season encounter.

The home side couldn't have made a worse start, conceding inside the opening 30 seconds before Rossington struck twice more to establish a commanding 3-0 lead. Rangers looked slow to get going during the opening stages, appearing off the pace and understandably rusty as the visitors took control.

To their credit, the response was exceptional.

Izzy Sibbald sparked the comeback with Rangers' first goal before Emma Smith reduced the deficit further. Sibbald then grabbed her second of the afternoon to complete a remarkable recovery, sending the teams into the break level at 3-3 after an action-packed first half.

Rangers emerged after the interval looking a completely different side. They controlled possession, moved the ball with far greater purpose and dictated the tempo, eventually taking the lead for the first time through Vicky Haigh to make it 4-3.

The hosts then had a golden opportunity to extend their advantage. After a save from the Rossington goalkeeper, the ball fell kindly to Georgia Lane just two yards from goal, but with the net at her mercy she agonisingly lifted the rebound over the crossbar. It proved to be a costly miss as Rossington went straight up the other end and found an immediate equaliser to make it 4-4.

Showing the resilience that had already fuelled their comeback, Rangers refused to let the setback affect them. Emily Wright restored the home side's lead with what proved to be the winning goal, before a composed defensive display in the closing stages ensured Rangers held on for a well earned 5-4 victory.

Although there will be lessons to take from a sluggish and rusty first-half performance, the second-half display showed exactly what this side is capable of. The character to recover from three goals down, and then respond once more after being pegged back, will provide plenty of confidence as preparations for the new season continue.

Goals: Izzy Sibbald (2), Emma Smith, Vicky Haigh and Emily Wright.

Starting XI: Heather Butler, Chelsea Briggs, Vicki Thompson, Tar Burkinshaw, Leah Connolly, Emma Smith, Izzy Sibbald, Georgia Lane, Emily Wright, Amy Hawes, Beth Coates.

Substitutes: Heather Morn, Vicky Haigh, Sandra Bates, Emma Kitchen, McKenzie Ward and Chloe Scott.

Next Fixture: Dewsbury Rangers Women return to action on Sunday 9th August, travelling to face Myra Shay as preparations for the new season continue.