This weekend saw Lions line up against Luton Town Ladies Wanderers for a second bout, having only played them a few weeks ago.
Luton started the game strongly, putting the Lions defence under some early pressure and showing off their attacking might with a couple of big shots that sailed over the bar. It required some doubling up from Sienna and Bella to keep the advancing players at bay and force a corner. Moments later however, Lions showed that they were not to be underestimated with a strong attack of their own courtesy of Heidi down the right wing. Her speedy break resulted in a decent cross which found Olivia in the box. Two shots in quick succession rattled the Luton defence but didn’t rattle the back of the net.
A fierce tackle from Sienna, and strong foot in from Freya kept the Luton attackers away from the box. However, they executed their plan B superbly, with a lob shot fired from distance which rose above the Lions back line and over the keeper to make it 1 nil.
Great communication between Sienna and Lauren ensured the Lions keeper was quick to the edge of her box to collect the ball that had been shielded from danger by the defender. However, moments later, Luton were able to overpower the defence once more, despite their best efforts, to score their second of the game.
Lions remained resilient and kept their heads up. And it wasn’t long before they were on the break again. Bella and Heidi combined once more down the right. This time Olivia wasn’t quite able to get on the end of the cross.
Lauren kept the score line respectable with a great diving save to tip the ball around the post, before a great through-ball from Amber set Bella on her way through the middle of the Luton defence. The Lions striker jostled well, but couldn’t quite get her shot away.
Bella and Amber combined again, this time with Bella making the cross from the right of the pitch. Amber managed to get a shot off goal bound, but it fizzed wide of the post. Lions kept the pressure on. This time Amber crossing to the waiting Bella, who managed to volley the ball well, but wide. Georgia tried her luck from distance moments later, but the keeper was able to gather the ball reasonably comfortably.
Luton finally broke out of their own half, but Kiera was on hand to track back, forcing the attacker into a weakened cross that was well intercepted by Sienna. A quick ball forward found Gracie out wide left. She crossed the ball well, but again, nobody was able to get on the end of it. Understandably, the midfielders were a little too worried about advancing too far up the pitch, out of fear of a Luton counter-attack.
Despite having the better chances towards the end of the first half, it was Luton who were on the score sheet again. A decent cross from out wide was volleyed in by the attacker bringing the first half to its conclusion.
Goals 4 and 5 came in quick succession for Luton, who were quicker out the blocks after the ref’s whistle. Lauren made a strong save to prevent the 5th goal, but the rebound was slotted home.
Again, Lions showed tremendous spirit, and despite having to put up with the expected rough challenges and shirt pulling, and disappointing score line, the team kept steadfast in their pursuit of a goal. A great cross from Heidi wide right found Amber outside the box. Her long range effort was once again just wide. Gracie followed with a long range effort of her own, but the keeper was able to prevent the goal.
Luton, seemingly rattled, advanced down their left, but Aria was strong in her challenge and forced a throw-in. The resulting throw was intercepted by Evelyn, who dribbled the ball out of the box. Her through-ball found Amber on the left who took on the right back and advanced towards the goal, only to be fouled outside the box. The free kick, taken by Amber, was whipped into the area with both Heidi and Georgia almost getting a leg to it.
In the final stages of the game, Bella showed her superior level of fitness as she chased down the keeper. Forcing her into a rushed kick that was intercepted by Amber. Her shot, with her weaker right foot, was stopped on the line – although the home side’s VAR footage – courtesy of Nicola – raised the question of whether it had in fact crossed the line?!
Against the run of play, Luton made it 6 nil in the dying seconds after some brave defending from the Lions’ back line couldn’t clear the ball and the loose ball was fired home, bringing the game to a close. I think it’s fair to say that the score line didn’t accurately reflect the game – however, lessons learned from playing these quality oppositions will only help strengthen the Lions going forward.
This week’s player of the match: Georgia.
