This week Lions were away against a strong Willen Coyotes side. Despite the score line showing a comfortable Lions win the last time these teams met, it perhaps flattered the Lions a little, and didn’t reflect the closeness of the match until the final 10 minutes. The away side knew they would have to be on their game if they were to keep the recent run of wins going.
Willen started the game strong and it wasn’t long before Lauren was called into action, making a good save from a big shot – the Lions keeper keeping her eyes fixed on the ball. More skilful play from the Willen winger followed, but Georgia was able to make a fine recovery tackle to thwart the attack.
Moments later, a strong challenge by Amber enabled the Lions winger to play the ball down the line to Tehila. She manoeuvred skilfully past one player but was stopped by a tough Willen defender before getting her shot away. However, seconds later Tehila was bursting through on goal, this time managing to get a decent shot off, which was well saved.
Willen were on the front foot once again. This time it was Sienna who tracked back to make an important challenge. But the pressure continued, and moments later the Willen winger made a fantastic run down the right wing. However, her shot was well matched by Lauren. Lions needed to defend well, soaking up a relentless Willen press. Amber put in a strong challenge, followed by Evelyn before Georgia made an important block and was able to clear the danger.
It took a Lions corner to break the deadlock. The ball was whipped in by Heidi to Bella by the front post. She was able to pivot and catch the ball superbly on the half volley, sending it flying into the roof of the net.
However, Willen wouldn’t give up and Aria had to be strong to force the throw-in and relieve the pressure. Some great link up play between Olivia and Bella, set Olivia off through the middle of the Willen defence. She managed to get a decent shot away, but it sailed just wide of the post. The Lions striker was almost through on goal minutes later after a great through ball from Amber found her in space on the edge of the box. But a defender was able to nick the ball away and clear it up field.
Despite more attacking play, Willen just couldn’t find an end product. It took a big clearance from Freya to give Lions’ back three a moment’s peace shortly before half time.
Lions’ second goal came shortly after the break. Some wonderful individual play from Bella saw the Lions player drive into the box. It looked like she had overrun the ball, but somehow managed to keep it in and curl it around the keeper into the bottom corner. There was some confusion from both sets of fans as the ball had bounced back out of the goal, and the ref hadn’t seen it go in. However, after a brief discussion with the Linesman and players the goal was rightly awarded.
Willen were determined to make a game of it and forced Lauren to make two great saves in quick succession. One with her feet and the other a fingertip catch. Georgia showed off her skill on the ball with a lovely turn before switching play. Sadly the move broke down. Lions were awarded a free kick which was taken by Bella. She struck it well and forced the keeper into a great save.
It required a brave block by Kiera, who had put her body on the line all game, to put a stop to Willen’s next attack, backed up by Sienna. Lions’ defensive unit of Kiera, Sienna, Aria and Freya played superbly all game long. Having moved out to the right wing, Gracie was linking up well creating a number of chances. A tasty ball to Georgia was knocked on to Bella who shot well. But again the Willen keeper was able to prevent the goal.
A tackle by Flo in the middle of the park set Amber off down the wing but her shot was blocked by a defender. Moments later, a great ball from Georgia to Amber was threaded through to Tehila, her shot rattling the side netting. However, the Lions striker was on the score sheet seconds later when Heidi was the quickest to pounce on a weak goal kick. She passed the ball through to Tehila, who slotted it past the keeper.
After the restart, Lions took their eye off the ball momentarily, and that was enough for Willen to cause some unexpected damage. Two quick goals brought the score line to 2-3 with 3 minutes left to play. However, like Geoff Hurst in the 1966 World Cup Final… Oliva made a bursting run through the middle of the Willen defence, shrugging off the challenge, before smashing the ball past the keeper. They think it’s all over…it is now!
This week’s players of the match: Lauren and Kiera.
Big thanks to Richard for the match report.
