Leamington Lions 2 Rugby Town 2

Report submitted by Russell Davis

6 January 2008, New Windmill Ground.

Leamington Lions continued their unbeaten form since the end of October but should have taken all three points.

Lions started very well and Stacey Doughty and Kate Bradshaw dominated midfield. They created a number of chances and went close on a number of occasions, but with the Studley keeper playing well could not find an advantage.

She pulled off a tremendous save from Sam Morris, whose shot was pushed onto the bar, and then made another a great stop from Stacey Doughty, who followed up with a thunder bolt from just outside the box.
 
The Lions had six corners in the first period but could not make them count. Studley took the lead against the run of play on 40 minutes, the Lions midfield switching off to allow Studley a rare attack. 0-1.
 
But the Lions are made of strong stuff and bounced right back in the 42 minute when Stacey Doughty went on a fine run, feeding the ball to Sam Morris, who then played a great ball to Sophie Meade. She made no mistake from 10 yards out. 1-1.

The second half started in similiar fashion, with Lions in control, only to see Studley taking a surprise lead 2 - 1 on 60 minutes. Similar to the first, they broke away after Leamington pressure. After this, Studley tactically resorted to the long ball, which looked like paying off, but were playing well after the goal. Vicky Busby, Lions player of the match, had to makee an acrobatic save to keep her side in the game.

A couple of substitutions were made by Lions and they began to put more and more pressure on Studley. A cross was pulled back by Charlotte Davis on the volley into Helen Barrett's path. She blasted the ball into the top left hand corner of the net from 30 yards to equalise at 2-2.

The Lions were really now looking for the three points. A free kick from Angie Wiffen went close, whistling over the bar. Another chance was created in the 80 minute when Amandeep Kahlon went very close, her shot coming back off the woodwork.
 
It was not to be the Lions day and Russell Davis manager said afterwards, "It was good to keep our unbeaten run going, but we had enough chances to beat a good side and take the three points. We have to be more ruthless and turn our possession into goals.  We are playing good football, but lacking the final product".

Lions previous match, v Rugby Town Ladies.

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