Leamington Lions 2 Coventry City Ladies 1

Report submitted by Russell Davis

22 August 2007, New Windmill Ground. Attendance 132

Leamington Lions produced an outstanding display on their first ever game at the New Windmill. The Lions were playing Coventry City, who are one league below the premiership of Ladies Football and favourites for promotion this year. This was going to be a good yardstick on how far the Lions team have come as Coventry are no fewer than three leagues above us.

The Sky Blues started strongly and within 4 minutes took the lead when Ziggy Gowlett scored through a fine run and crisp shot. Leamington's defence started to get a grip of the game and Vicky Busby in goal was having a great game. The pressure from Coventry with the wind behind them was constant but the defence stood resolute. Player of the match Charlotte Blunsdon continued to contain Coventry's pacey forwards.

In the second half Leamington really started to come into the game and Linda Turner and Laura Dunlop started to combine well on the right hand side of the pitch.

On 65 minutes Leamington scored their first ever goal at the New Windmill Ground when Sophie Meade equalised by intercepting a pass between the Coventry defence and coolly driving the ball home into the bottom right hand corner of the net. It was at this point the Lions believed we could really pull off a shock win and within 5 minutes took the lead when Laura Dunlop pounced on a loose ball and with a surging run into the penalty area placed the ball into the right hand corner of the net.

Leamington's defence was looking very solid and, when called upon, goalie Danni Scarborough looked assured. The next chance for Lions was a free kick on the edge of the box. Angie Wiffen hit a fine strike which the Coventry keeper made a great save and tipped the shot over the bar.

When the final whistle blew the Lions had pulled off a fine victory. Russell Davis, Lions Manager, added "This was a fine display by all the squad and the commitment shown on the pitch was great to see. If we continue to progress this way this season it should be a good season for us this year. We are still looking to add a few more players before the season starts but the new players are settling well into the team".

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