Blackburn Community Women 8

Preston North End Ladies 0

FREE-scoring Blackburn Community Women are the highest scorers in the North West after adding another eight to their tally.

The Lammack-based club have now scored 46 league goals - three more than neighbouring high-flying Blackburn Rovers Ladies have managed in the FA Women’s National League Northern Division - and 56 in all competitions.

Amy Bland scored four times to take her season’s tally to 11 with Jess Clegg, Ruth Harrison, Lily Crompton and a 35-yard effort from Claire Young completing the scoring.

Despite the gr-eight result, it was only Blackburn’s third highest win of the season having beaten Leigh RMI 10-0 and Crosby Ladies 11-2.

However, two defeats and a draw - against current leaders Blackpool Girls and Ladies - sees Blackburn currenlty sit in second place in North West Women’s Regional Division 1 North

The game, played at QEGS’ Harrison Playing Fields, started with a frantic pace with both sides creating chances.

But Community took the lead with a fine individual effort from Bland who beat two defenders before firing in to the bottom corner.

Clegg then added a second when she latched on to a poor clearance to finish from close range.

Harrison sent Community in to the half time break 3-0 up with a well struck effort from the edge of the box.

Preston started the second half well putting the pressure on in the early stages but a stunning 35-yard goal from Young took the wind out of their sails.

Bland then completed her hat-trick to make it 6-0 before second half substitute Crompton ran on to a through ball from captain Nat Parry to chip the keeper to make it seven. Bland wrapped up the afternoon with her fourth.

* Blackburn Community Women: Amy Dixon, Ruth Harrison, Jess Clegg, Laura Murray, Ally O’Donnell, Nat Parry, Claire Young, Sophie Flynn, Steph Boyle, Rebecca McGrath, Amy Bland. Sub: Lily Crompton.