Women's football news
Former Brighton & Hove Albion stars Charlotte
Gurr and Ellie Dorey put on a masterclass at Sporting Club Thamesmead
yesterday. With Charlotte Lee and Kit Graham in ruthless form in front of
goal, the Addicks handed Lewes a lesson in movement and finishing that left
John Donoghue’s side reeling.
It had started so well.
Katie McIntyre, superb all afternoon for Lewes in
midfield and voted supporter’s player of the match, opened the scoring for the
visitors after just 7 minutes, finishing well past Katie Startup from 20 yards.
Charlton, somewhat out of sorts until then, woke up and hit back.
On 19 minutes Dorey, who would exploit the
Rookette’s lack of a specialist right-back, due to absence and injury, all
afternoon, ran into space. Her cross was clinically tucked away by Lee despite
close attention from Rachel Palmer.
Lewes posed plenty of threat. A more
clinical side might perhaps have punished the home team’s profligacy, several Charlton
defenders giving away possession in dangerous positions. They had Startup to thank,
making an excellent stop after Dani Lane burst into the Addicks’ penalty area.
McIntyre saw her crisp strike shave the outside of the upright with Startup
beaten.
Both sides wrestled for control and it seemed like
they would go to the break level. McIntyre took a blow and hobbled to the
sidelines for treatment. Whilst she was waiting to return, Charley Clifford
unleashed a howitzer from 30 yards. The ball crashed back off the crossbar,
struck Lauren Dolbear on the back and bounced over the line. 2-1.
Four minutes later Dorey linked up with Gurr to
finish a fine move with a tap-in. HT 3-1.
Lewes brought Charlotte Owen on for Rebecca Carter
for the start of the second half which they started well, creating openings
through the impressive Dani Lane. On the hour, with the game not yet won,
Charlton made a key change, introducing prolific striker Kit Graham, on for
Lee.
Dolbear needed treatment for an eye injury on the
70 minute mark. Immediately after the restart Graham struck, finishing a neat
pass from Chloe Wilde. 4-1. Lewes weren’t done yet. Lane, getting back to her
best, ran past the entire Charlton back four to win a corner. McIntyre
delivered but the home defence, protecting a three-goal cushion, eased the ball
away.
With seven minutes to go and Lewes committed to
attack, Charlton, and Graham, struck again, a 25 harder that flew into the top
corner. Riteesh Mishra brought on Katie Bottom for Nicole Pepper, but Charlton
weren’t finished. In the 90th minute Charlotte Gurr, vying with Dorey for MvP,
capped her afternoon with a close finish after good work by Graham. FT 6-1
Lewes return to action on Sunday when they host
C&K Basildon, 2-0 victors over newly-promoted Chichester.
Kick off is 2pm.