Women's football news
Written by: Charlie
For the second time in a week the Rooks took the long trip North to take on Durham in the first meeting with them since January.
A robust Durham side were hard to break and though the midfield was a fairly even battle it was the Wildcats who took the lead after 16 minutes, Lauren Briggs with the cross, Beth Hepple flicked on to Ellie Christon who found the back of the net.
Lewes defended well and though there were moments of creativity, Durham pressed high and in possession looked confident.
The Rooks had their share of good moments, switching play and reacting quickly when Durham were dispossessed but it was nearing half time when Sarah Robson almost headed home a goal from Hepple’s corner, eventually the ball found Bridgette Galloway’s feet among a pool of players to get Durham the scrappy goal on the 40 minute mark.
Heading into the second half, the lively Georgia Timms was hassling the defence and Balfour & Logan continued to link through to Ayisi, who often came out with the ball through some strong challenges.
An energised Lewes side, vocal and determined were unable to dominate enough to convert the ball in the final third. Hazard’s strike and Ayisi picking out Balfour was as close as it got to any signs of troubling the home side’s keeper. Ini Umotong joining the field had several late advances but to no avail. At the other end of the pitch Hepple saw her chance tip the crossbar.
In the last 10 minutes, Lewes looked like a side more conscious of their own ability and were more on the attack but the Durham defence remained tight. As the final whistle went, a disappointed Lewes reflected as a team and will take lessons from today into this week and be ready to come back stronger.
Simon Parker had this to say on the loss “We’re a little bit disappointed, we’re still learning, there will be some positives to take but at the moment we’re obviously not too happy.”
Next Sunday, we are back at The Dripping Pan to take on Blackburn Rovers – Tickets available now.
Line Up: Salgado, Cleverly, Hack, McKenna, O’Rourke, Hazard, Dalton, Ayisi, Balfour, Logan, Timms
Subs:
(55) Umotong for Logan
(78) Miller for Timms
(84) Boswell for Balfour
Subs not used:
Cousins, Saunders, Noble
Bookings
Ayisi