The Shrimps Women make their Mazuma Stadium debut on Sunday 26 March when they take on Workington Reds Ladies in the North West Women’s Regional League Division One North.
Last time out, Morecambe were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Blackpool away from home at the beginning of March. The Shrimps currently sit seventh in Division One North with seven wins, two draws and 11 defeats from 20 league games.
Workington were last in action on Sunday and were also beaten 1-0 by Carlisle United in the County Cup.
The Opposition
Workington sit ninth in Division One North with four wins, four draws and 8 defeats from 16 games.
The Reds finished fifth in the division last season with 36 points, five points behind Preston North End in fourth. Workington have also had plenty of cup success in recent seasons, they were crowned County Cup Champions in 2016 and 2019 respectively.
Workington Reds Ladies were established in 2011 and played their first season in the Cumberland County League in 2012, they were promoted two years later in 2014. The Reds are managed by Paul McKenzie who has been in the post since December 2021.
Key Players
Morgan McGrady is Workington’s top scorer so far with six goals as well as one assist in 16 games this season. McGrady’s last goal opened the scoring against Penwortham Town on March 12, a game that ended in a 4-1 defeat.
Sophie Birkett is also having a good season for the Reds. Birkett has three goals and one assist in 12 appearances for Workington so far this campaign. Birkett has already equalled her goal tally from last season when she scored three goals and provided five assists in 16 appearances
Natalie Hooper has contributed plenty going forward for Workington this season. Hooper has made 13 appearances so far and has two goals to her name. She is already having a better campaign compared to last season where she failed to find the back of the net in 16 appearances.
Natasha Walker and Rebecca Baldwin’s Thoughts
Ahead of the game, we caught up with Shrimps defenders Rebecca Baldwin and Natasha Walker who both said they can’t wait to play at the Mazuma on Sunday.
“I’m really looking forward to Sunday’s game,” Walker said.
“I never thought I’d have this opportunity and the best bit about it is my kids get to come and watch me play.”
Baldwin said: “When we first step out on that pitch the feeling will be unbelievable.
“We were stood behind the barrier and now were the ones on the other side, it’s like a goosebump feeling.”
Meet The Officials
Denis Elkins will referee the game at the Mazuma Stadium on Sunday, his sixth time taking charge of the Shrimps this season.