Tigresses just fail to hang on for great win

HULL City Ladies earned a hard fought 2-2 draw against Nottingham Forest Women.

Despite conceding twice in stoppage time, under the circumstances it was still a fantastic and spirited performance.

It was a thrilling match at Eastwood Football Club. Goals from Emily Smith and Rebecca Beech put the Tigresses two goals up, but goals from Annabel Mckechnie and Rosie Axten clinched a draw for Forest.

With seven minutes of injury time and the Tigresses down to 10 after Suey Smith limped off, Forest’s goals came in the 92nd and 95th minute.

“We were absolutely class, the best we’ve played, better than we played against Middlesbrough and Sunderland, that was a very good performance,” said Adi Costello.

The Tigresses’ September player of the month Smith nearly put City ahead, after her curling shot from 25 yards rattled the crossbar.

Moments later Forest hit the woodwork, Raynor fired a shot towards goal but she was denied by a fantastic save from Abi Wallace who tipped the shot onto the crossbar, as the teams went into the half-time break level.

It was a perfect start for the Tigresses in the second half as Smith put her side ahead one minute after the break. Smith hit the crossbar once again from a fantastic shot. However, moments later she wasn’t to be denied as she picked up the rebound and made no mistake, smashing the ball into the net.

City Ladies doubled their advantage just six minutes later, Beech’s shot from distance beating the keeper to put the Tigresses two goals ahead.

Forest, who were top of the league coming into the match, had a free-kick in a dangerous position. It was floated in and bounced off the crossbar.

City Ladies soaked up the pressure and defended brilliantly as Forest peppered the Tigresses goal. With all three substitutions made, City were down to 10 as Smith limped off.

Mckechnie scored in the 92nd minute as she finished from close range. Forest were awarded a penalty in the 95th minute and Axten dispatched her penalty to complete the comeback draw.

Costello said: “It was a really good performance, they’re shattered, the girls gave everything. We wanted it more than Forest today, we wanted the ball more than them and we worked harder.”

Hull City Ladies now have backto-back home games against Sheffield FC and Stoke City Ladies.