Leamington Lions 1 Worcester City 1

Report submitted by Russell Davis

24 February 2008, New Windmill Ground.

Lions entertained second place Worcester City at the New Windmill.  The pitch was as perfect as ever and the game started at a frantic pace, Stacey Doughty going close in the opening minutes with a blistering shot into the side netting.  Lions continued to pile on the pressure and were rewarded a corner: Sharon Williams put in an excellent cross, only to see no-one attacking the ball.  Sis, who joined Sam up front, had a great shot saved by the keeper.  Stacey soon turned provider with a header into the path of Sam, who saw her shot go wide. Sam then produced a pace of magic only to see the Worcester keeper on top of her game, a low diving save forcing the ball out for another corner. 

The game soon started to open up and mistakes started to appear.  Worcester began to get a foothold on the game and forced the Lions back.  A long hopeful ball found the Lions defence napping and not switched on, with the Worcester forwards first to react.  Their striker hit the ball early, only to find Vicky ‘safe hands’ Busby quick to react with a great save. Unluckily, the rebound fell to the striker who slotted past Vicky at the second chance.  0-1 to Worcester. Lions let this affect their game and started to rush and force the ball, although Sis dropped into midfield and soon set up Carly who forced the Worcester keeper into another great save. Half time couldn’t come quick enough. 

The second half was about character, belief and wanting it more than Worcester.  The Lions took on board everything from the coach and came out a better team.  First to every ball, attacking the ball quicker and being focused all round.  Stacey started to boss the middle of the park with Sis spreading the ball on every opportunity.  Lions now forced the Worcester team back into their own half and achieved a better grip on the game. Stacey shot wide, and then saw a bicycle kick go over the bar.  Sharon Williams was causing problems with all her corners.  Stacey also showed her defensive qualities with a good last minute tackle inside the 6 yard box.  Sis then split the Worcester defence with a perfect ball to Sam, who again found the Worcester keeper in good form.  Stacey then played a great ball into the path of Shorty who stroked the ball into the bottom corner, 1-1. 

Lions introduced Charlotte Davis and Katy Sheffield.  Charlotte could have sealed it for the Lions with her first touch.  Sam whipped a great ball into the box, Charlotte left her marker for dead and set herself perfectly, only to see the ball fly over the bar.

Manager Russell Davis said, “Today a lot of players weren’t on their game.  We had to dig deep to get a point.  We showed more character second half and nearly came away with all three points.  A draw was the fair result.  We have showed we can play good football and beat teams and are still unbeaten in 10 games.  Hopefully we learn from today and kick on next week away at Knowle.  “

Sis was awarded player of the match for continuing to chase every lost ball. 

The Lions are still hoping to field a development team next year.  We have had a good response to this and are on the lookout for a Manager/coach for the team.  Please check out the Lions website @ www.leamingtonlions.com

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