Golcar United Ladies returned to winning ways in emphatic style with a 7-0 triumph over Skipton Firsts at Longfield Avenue. Under bright sunshine and on a perfect playing surface, the team produced a dominant all-round display that showcased fluid attacking football, unselfish movement, and clinical finishing.
Fast Start Sets the Tone
It took less than ten minutes for Golcar to stamp their authority on the match. In the 9th minute, Tiah Smith opened the scoring with a composed tap-in after a perfectly measured cross from Raegen Cartledge found her unmarked at the back post, guiding the ball neatly into the bottom left corner.
Seven minutes later, the combination play down Golcar’s right flank delivered again. Cartledge drove forward before sending in another precise delivery, this time finding in-form winger Paige Tandy, who calmly slotted home from close range into the same corner to make it 2-0.
The hosts were relentless, and the partnership between Cartledge and Smith continued to torment the Skipton defence. On 20 minutes, Cartledge’s deep cross was met by Smith, who rose above her marker to power a header into the roof of the net for her second of the game and Golcar’s third.
Confidence Before the Break
The momentum continued right up to half-time. In the 41st minute, Sophie Scherschel made it 4-0, finishing a sweeping move that began with Tandy on the flank. Tandy’s driven cross was met first time by Scherschel, who guided it past the keeper into the bottom right corner.
Just before the whistle, Golcar struck again. Another superb cross from Cartledge found Smith, who completed her first-half hat-trick with another assured finish from close range, sliding the ball low into the corner to give Golcar a commanding 5-0 lead at the interval.
Second Half Control
Manager Nathan Martin made several substitutions at half-time and early in the second half to keep the intensity high. The changes worked immediately. In the 51st minute, Cartledge added her fifth assist of the day with yet another well-weighted pass into space for Tandy, who placed her shot calmly into the bottom corner to make it 6-0 and complete her brace. The left winger’s confidence and precision in front of goal underlined her excellent recent form.
With Golcar in complete control, the passing and movement continued to stretch Skipton across the pitch. The seventh and final goal arrived in the 82nd minute when Smith collected a clever through ball from Tandy, drove into space, and unleashed a precise first-time finish from the corner of the 18-yard box that arrowed into the bottom right corner, her fourth of the afternoon, capping a sensational individual performance.
Standout Performances
It was a complete team display, but the link-up play between Smith, Tandy, and Cartledge stood out throughout. Cartledge, returning to the starting lineup, was instrumental with five assists, consistently breaking the lines and delivering pinpoint crosses from wide areas. Tandy’s brace and all-round attacking performance made her one of the day’s standout players, while the back line, led by Trinity Cundell, remained disciplined and composed to secure a well-earned clean sheet.
Manager’s Reaction
Manager Nathan Martin was full of praise for his team after the match:
“I’m absolutely delighted with the performance this afternoon. From the first minute, the players showed intent, energy, and purpose. We moved the ball well, stayed disciplined defensively, and looked dangerous every time we went forward. The connection between our front line was excellent, and to see the patterns from training come out in a match like this is really rewarding. The players have set a standard for what we’re capable of when we play with that confidence and simplicity.”
Assistant Manager’s View
Assistant Manager Stewart Alexander added after reviewing the match footage:
“What really stood out was the decision-making in the final third. We played the right passes at the right times, and it made all the difference. Raegen’s delivery was top class today, and Tiah’s finishing spoke for itself, four goals that were all taken with composure. Paige’s form on the wing has been excellent too, and her two goals today showed her growing confidence and consistency. Performances like this don’t just happen; they come from focus and belief. You could see from the first whistle that the players were enjoying their football again, and that’s when we’re at our best.”
Player Recognition
Final Score
Golcar United Ladies 7 – 0 Skipton Firsts
Goals: Smith (9’, 20’, 45’, 82’), Tandy (16’, 51’), Scherschel (41’)
Next Match
Golcar United Ladies travel to Wyke Wanderers on Sunday, 26 October 2025, in Premier Division action at Wyke Community Sports Village, Bradford. Kick-off 3:00 PM.
Match Sponsor: On The Move Removals
Golcar United Ladies FC would like to thank On The Move Removals for their generous sponsorship of this fixture.
Follow Golcar United Ladies FC on social media for more updates on fixtures, results, and club news:
Twitter: @golcarwomenfc
Instagram: @golcarunitedwomenfc
Facebook: @golcarunitedladiesfc
TikTok: @golcarunitedladiesf
