AMBLESIDE Ladies opened the New Year with a 2-1 Cumbria League victory over Barrow on Sunday but it came at a cost.

Starting at a fast pace, slick passing throughout the team saw Claire Munday get on the end of Sue Conway's shot to slot it home and shortly afterwards she pounced at the far post to tap home.

Ambleside were cruising for most of the first half but were unable to add to the score.

In the second half Barrow tried hard to get into the game, but the visitors' defence held firm and they did not pose any serious problems.

The post came to Barrow's rescue twice and their goalkeeper made some outstanding saves to prevent Ambleside from forging ahead.

Ten minutes from the end, Ambleside lost right back Ruth Finley with an elbow injury and, a minute later, left back Sheila Gorman was struck in the face with the ball and taken to hospital.

Barrow scored a consolation goal seconds from the end, with Ambleside feeling proud of themselves for hanging on with only nine players.

January 17, 2003 10:32