Women's round-up: Set-piece specialist Morphet at the double for Wolves
Anna Morphet’s set-piece brace extended Wolves' unbeaten run to 14 games in the Women's National League Northern Premier Division, writes Thomas Gibson.
Morphet’s finishing put Wolves 2-0 ahead at half-time against Stoke City - one direct from a corner and one from a free-kick.
Amber Hughes sealed the 3-0 win in the second half to go third in the golden boot race, behind team-mate Charlotte Greengrass and Stoke’s Millie Ravening.
On the match, McNamara said: “I thought the girls were superb today, they were outstanding.
“We saw a different performance, a different performance from what we needed last week (against Nottingham Forest).
“I said last week was about heart and desire, this week was about the stats.
“Winning first and second balls, winning set-pieces, I thought they were tremendous.
“They got what they deserve and today they deserved three points.
“(Anna Morphet) she is a leader, I am so proud of the journey that she’s been on, you know.
“She’s an incredible person and a superb player. I am sure she’ll go on to huge things in the game.
“I can’t see many left foots in the league like hers, you saw it today.
“Scoring straight from a corner, everyone calls it fluky, but there is some skill in that.”
The result came days after manager Dan McNamara was awarded the January’s Premier Division manager of the month award.
The boss added: “I am delighted for everyone at the club.
“It is a huge accolade for the staff, for the players, everyone associated with the club.”
West Midlands League Premier Division leaders Lye Town proved their dominance with an outstanding first half against Shrewsbury Town.
They beat the Shropshire side 5-1, with first-half goals from Chloe Handy, Macy Fox, Sian Johnson and Tash Baptiste.
Michelle Pasco rounded off the win in the second half to leave Lye four points clear of chasers Kidderminster Harriers.
Harriers, with two games in hand, dispatched relegation-threatened Solihull Sporting 7-0, with Bethany Gallagher and Alex Nicklin netting braces alongside Amber Lawrence, Millie Rogers and Grace Rogers.
Lichfield City remain top of Division One North after coming from behind twice to beat Walsall Wood with a last-minute winner.
Courtney Dilger, Corinna Williams and Holly Parkes netted to go five clear of Rugby Town, Hednesford Town, Eccleshall and Wood.
Six points behind the leaders, Walsall drew 1-1 at seventh-placed AFC Telford United.
