Leamington Lions 1 Hereford Phoenix 3

Report submitted by Russell Davis

League Cup Round 2, 30 March 2008, New Windmill Ground.

Brave Lions Bow out of the League Cup.

Today's game was all about seeing how far the Lions had actually progressed this season, for they were entertaining the league leaders in the League Cup in our first meeting this season.  The game started at a really high pace: both teams started moving the ball around really quickly.  Lions started to carve open the Hereford rear guard with plenty of shots, and Carly soon forced the keeper into a good save, soon followed by Sam.

Lions should have been awarded a penalty after a hand ball in the box, only for the ref to wave play on. The Lions took control of midfield and now should have been in front, but for some great goalkeeping from the away 'keeper.  Sharon produced some great corners as usual, but we didn't capitalise. The first half continued in the same manner and the Lions should have gone in at least four up.  They were plenty of positives from the first half, but still lacking the final product.  0-0.

The Lions came out for the second half in confident manner and were soon ahead, a great through ball from Stacey to release Sam, who slotted the ball past the advancing ' keeper.  The Lions should have focused, but a lack of concentration allowed the ball to be crossed and find a Hereford player unmarked at the near post for 1-1. 

The Lions were soon back on the attack and another great ball splitting the Hereford back four found Carly, who saw a great shot saved by the keeper and away for a corner. Sharon produced another great corner to find Helen who shot just over.  Hereford continued to battle and soon were rewarded a goal after a good through ball found the striker who rounded the advancing keeper to make it 2-1.  Soon after it was 3-1 with the ball bouncing around in the box, no communication and a gifted goal.  The Lions battled bravely to the end but ran out of steam.

Paul O'Rafferty, Lions Coach said "Today was a great advert for Ladies football.  But, it goes to show it doesn't matter how much possession you have it's what happens in the final third that counts.  We will hopefully learn from this and take it into next week's game.  The Lions entertain Hereford at the New Windmill again in the league on Sunday 6th April. Today's first half performance was the best so far this season.  We now need to focus on next week and we now know what we have to work on .Credit to Hereford who were under pressure for long periods and weathered the storm".

Lions fixtures and results .

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