Match Report: Atherton Laburnum Rovers Ladies 4 v 1 AFC Crewe

Women's 1st Team

AFC Crewe Women Fall to Clinical Atherton Laburnum Rovers at Crilly Park

Sunday 2 November 2025 – Crilly Park

AFC Crewe Women slipped to a disappointing 4–1 defeat away to Atherton Laburnum Rovers Ladies despite a bright opening and a spirited performance that offered more than the scoreline suggests.

Fast Start and Early Lead

Crewe began the game with purpose, dominating possession and creating the first real chance of the match through Sara Noori, whose early effort from inside the box was well blocked. Their positive play was rewarded in the ninth minute when Holly Ellison showed great strength to hold off her marker before calmly slotting home after good work from Charlotte Friesner.

The visitors looked in control at 1–0, pressing high and moving the ball confidently across midfield.

Setback Before the Break

Atherton began to grow into the game midway through the first half, forcing Ruby Quinn into a series of tidy takes from dangerous crosses. The home side drew level in the 15th minute after a long ball over the top was misjudged by Kim Barber, allowing the striker to round Quinn and finish.

Crewe suffered a further setback shortly before half-time when Atherton took the lead through a header that appeared to come from an offside position, leaving Crewe trailing 2–1 at the interval.

Second Half Struggles

Crewe looked determined after the restart, with Ellison again driving the team forward and going close with a solo run just minutes into the half. However, Atherton’s direct style continued to cause problems, and a failure to clear their lines proved costly as the hosts made it 3–1 with a tap-in early in the second half.

Moments later, a slack back pass from Barber almost gifted Atherton another goal, but Quinn recovered brilliantly to narrow the angle as the striker missed an open net.

Controversy and Late Blow

Crewe’s best chance to claw their way back came on the hour mark when Ellison broke through one-on-one, only to be taken out by the goalkeeper. To the disbelief of the visiting bench, the referee brandished only a yellow card.

Atherton capitalised on their reprieve with a swift counterattack fifteen minutes from time, sealing the match with a fine finish from the edge of the box.

Solid Individual Displays

Despite the defeat, Quinn was outstanding between the posts, making several key saves and brave blocks. Ellison was again a driving force in midfield, while Paige Williams impressed with her defensive resilience and leadership on the flank.

Substitute Natasha Coumbaros, introduced after an early injury to Simone Kelsall, also made several crucial interventions at the back.

Full-Time: Atherton Laburnum Rovers Ladies 4–1 AFC Crewe Women

Scorer:

  • Crewe: Ellison (9’)
  • Atherton: 15’, 46’, 49’, 65’