Macclesfield FC Women took a 5-2 win over Runcorn Sports at the Leasing.com Stadium, thanks to goals by Megan Cardenas, Esa Cullinan, Amara Keating and Megan Brierley.
Macclesfield FC were strong from the very start, with several chances to net a first in the opening 25 minutes.
The first goal would arrive in the 29th minute, Megan Cardenas catching the keeper off-guard with a well-placed long ball. However, Runcorn would equalize moments later.
The squad worked hard to retake their advantage. Strong teamwork from Dids Parish and Esa Cullinan would leave Macclesfield again ahead, Parish crossing the ball to Cullinan who fired home.
Amara Keating would then show a stunning display, netting a further two goals in the first half within minutes of each other to see the home side 4-1 up at the break.
Seven minutes into the second half, Cullinan was taken down in the box by Runcorn’s keeper, handing Macclesfield a penalty.
Cullinan stepped up to take it, but would be denied the goal. However, Megan Brierley was waiting at the side, catching the ball on the rebound to extend Macclesfield’s lead.
Some close misses from Lily Fallon and Keating in the second half would narrowly deny more goals for the home team, and a second goal for Runcorn would be the last of the game.
This left Macclesfield FC Women to take a 5-2 win, breaking into the quarter-final of the Challenger League Cup.
By Will Knight
