Women's football news
Lewes secured their second win in the Continental Tyres Cup, bagging another clean sheet as they overcame a brave Millwall side at Dartford FC writes Ash Head.
In truth, Lewes rarely looked troubled, Sunday’s hero Faye Baker having little to do until called upon deep into added time when she flung herself across goal to palm away a vicious snap-shot.
Lewes rested several key players from Sunday’s epic encounter with Man United. McIntyre, Rutherford & Kempson made way for Moloney, Owen and Larkin. Sophie O’Rourke made her first start, with Rosie Paye in for Georgia Robert at Centre back. Amy Taylor took the armband.
Samantha Quayle led the line with Dani Lane in support. Lewes fashioned the best chances of the first half, Shannon Moloney smacking the crossbar with a fine long-range effort before the break.
Millwall created half-chances but in truth Faye had little to do, Taylor & Paye dealing with the home threat. For the Rooks, Avilla Bergin was getting some joy on the left, linking well with Dani Lane & Samantha Quayle to give the Millwall back line plenty to think about.
On the hour Lewes introduced Carleton & Carter and before too long they’d fashioned the opener. Millwall cleared a corner out to Carleton on the edge of the box. She steadied herself and fired in a volley that beat the ‘keeper but not the crossbar. The ball fell between ‘keeper and defender and there was Carter to bundle it home. 0-1.
The goal lifted Lewes and their attacks intensified. Dani Lane started to drive at defenders, causing panic. Quayle took full advantage, picking up a loose ball and dancing through a series of challenges before coolly slotting home inside the left upright. 0-2.
The home side responded, creating openings for long-range attempts that were well off target, the closest in the last 5 minutes landing on the roof of Baker’s goal.
Wells replaced Bergin near the end and, that Baker save in the 92nd minute aside, the game was over.
Lewes finish on P4 W2 L2 in this competition and with Charlton going down to Arsenal tonight will finish 3rd in their group behind Arsenal & West Ham, both Tier 1 sides.
On Sunday the Addicks are back at the Dripping Pan, where Lewes put 5 past them at the start of the season, this time in FA Women’s Championship action. Lewes can expect a much tougher contest this time around.
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