Women's football news
Written by: Jack
Lewes FC Women secured a vital win over bottom side Watford on Sunday afternoon to keep our survival hopes alive.
Grace Riglar was back up front and netted twice in the second-half which proved to be enough despite a late consolation from the visitors in added time.
Scott Booth was left very frustrated at his side’s start to Monday’s defeat at Blackburn but saw a fantastic response with Lewes starting very much on the front foot.
Watford themselves looked bang up for the contest and also had early chances that didn’t quite test Whitehouse in goal.
Maria Farrugia, who has been lighting up the Pan in 2024, had the ball in the net 11 minutes in after Riglar’s strike bounced off the bar, but Farrugia’s follow up was ruled offside.
Just five minutes later, we had the opener. Farrugia produced some magic in her own half to beat three players before setting Claypole free down the left wing, and the Chelsea loanee put it on a plate for Riglar who struck home.
The intensity continued with Lewes continuing to hound the Watford goal. The second came close from two free-kicks in quick succession, the first saw Hollie Olding head wide of the post and the second met by Grace Garrad who headed past the same post in identical fashion.
Then deep into added time of the first-half, Riglar got her brace rising highest from a Farrugia corner to head into the top corner.
Watford came out strong in the second-half and were seeing more of the ball. They forced a trademark fingertip save out of Whitehouse who got a vital touch to deny Watford an avenue back in the game.
Backed by our biggest attendance of the season, the 1,128 in the stadium were in fine voice and getting really behind the team to see them through.
With 10 minutes to go, Farrugia was almost rewarded for her fine work in the game when she broke down the left, played a brilliant one-two with Jacqui Hand, before being denied by a strong hand at the near post.
Then, right as the board went up to signal six minutes added on, Watford had their goal when a corner was failed to be cleared and they stabbed one home at the far post.
A nervy end to say the least, but a professional defensive display saw us cling onto a vital three points.
Our LAST home game is on Sunday 21 April at 2pm against Crystal Palace, in another huge match for the Rooks. You can buy Lewes FC tickets today and secure your place at the game, and perhaps bring your friends and family along and enjoy a VIP beach hut for the day!