by Sister of fu » Tue Aug 25, 2009 12:32 pm
As requested.......
Worrall. Champ, McLellan, Savage, Farrell (capt), Wensley, Hindley. Lee, Turner, Penney, Johnston Subs Young (60 mins for Penney) Worth (81 mins for Hindley)
Report: For their first away game of the season City made the long journey down to league newcomers Luton Town.
The previous weekend Luton had made an even longer trek up to Newcastle and come away with a very credible draw, so Leigh Wood and his squad knew they were in for a very tough encounter. City, however, were in a confident mood after clinically despatching Sheffield Wednesday the last time out
Wood’s selection for the game had been hampered by the unavailability of 4 players, namely, the experienced Brusell and Gligan, 16 year old Abby McManus and new signing Lauren Beckford. This meant a depleted 13 man squad travelled with Wood deciding to give Lucy Hindley a start in midfield for Danni Young, and partner Sarah Penney with Krystle Johnston up front
The game kicked off in very hot conditions at the excellent facilities of Biggleswade Town. The home side adopted a 5 man midfield leaving the lone striker, City meanwhile went with a 4-4-2 formation.
The opening exchanges were even with the sides swopping corners early doors. No real chances were created until the 5th min when a Johnston shot went in but ended up wide of the mark. Luton retaliated and a swift attack down City’s left saw a corner conceded. As it was cleared to the edge of the box City keeper Andrea Worrall was called into action as she tipped the ball over the bar as a Luton shot came in.
The opening quarter saw no real pattern established as both sides found controlling the ball difficult on a firm surface with the tackles flying in. City struggled to keep the ball, and saw the home sides wingers push the City full backs deep into their own half on occasions. This allowed Luton a couple of long distance shots which were well dealt with again by Worrall.
After the first quarter City began to settle a little and began to play the passing game they enjoy. One such move saw Hindley release Levi Wensley down City’s right. Wensley in turn found Penney whose cross was just cleared before it reached strike partner Johnston. Luton again reacted positively and threatened again with pacey counter attacks.
For the next quarter City were in the ascendancy and despite not passing with their normal accuracy still created chances. On 22 mins a skilful Wensley turn and pass into Penney’s feet saw the 17year old hit a left foot drive wide from 18 yards. This was shortly followed by a long distance drive from Johnston which the keeper held well and a well worked passing move started by Lindsay Savage deep in her own half, which ended with Penney just failing to convert another good Wensley cross.
City’s last chance of the half saw Penney again in action as a rehearsed throw in routine saw her cross just float over the head of Johnston who was unmarked at the far post
The half ended with City just about shading it in terms of chances. With both sides feeling the conditions Wood was aware his team needed to sharpen up a little but keep the same determination if a result was to be achieved
The second period started with Luton breaking clear but the winger pulled her shot across goal away from the target. This woke City up and good build up play between Elle Turner and Penney allowed Hindley to drive at goal from the edge of the box, unfortunately for City the keeper held the shot well.
Luton pressed forward and had their best scoring opportunity on the hour mark as the ball bounced around the area following a cross. As the Luton midfield struck a shot Fran Champ made a trademark tackle to deny the strike and the ball was cleared. 2 mins later Worrall again tipped a drive from distance over
On 65 mins Wood went to a 5 man midfield and introduced Young for Penney. The switch worked straight away as City were able to gain more possession in midfield and nullify the threat of Luton playmaker Betts. On 70 mins, after a clumsy foul on Lee, Wensley sent over a curling free kick which was met well by Young’s right boot. As the home crowd held their breath the ball slammed just wide of the post.
5 mins later a Young cross from the right was met by the head of the diving Lee but the midfielder was unable to direct her header goalward. In the last 10 mins 17year old Betty Worth was introduced as City pushed for the winner. AOn 87 mins a Luton foul saw City given a free kick 25 yards out. This was the signal for skipper Farrell to try and repeat last weeks fine strike, however this attempt flew just over.
With normal time running out the match went into injury time. Despite tiring City pushed forward again and were rewarded for their efforts as Becky Lee battled and won the ball 30 yards out. A neat turn took into space and to the edge of the Luton box were she rolled a pass to the sprinting Young on the right. As the home defence looked for offside Young steadied herself and passed into the feet of Johnston. The powerful City striker struck the ball but mishit the shot. Luckily for the blues the ball hit the post and bounced in to give City 3 valuable and well earned points
There was little time left as the game ended with Luton disappointed but City happy with a hard earned victory in very testing conditions against a very well organised and talented Luton side who were excellently marshalled by centre back Lapish. For City Wood cannot but be impressed with his sides desire and determination to maintain the standards they have set themselves.
Wood commented, ‘’a hard fought game today. Luton put us under a lot of pressure and will feel unlucky not to have got a share of the points. However, we played very well in parts and tried to get the ball down an pass it around. We managed to create a few chances as the players worked extremely hard and never stopped right up until the last minute. Well done ladies’’
City now face another tough encounter next week as the other league newcomers, Leeds City Vicens visit Manchester
Scorers: Krystle Johnston
