Everett is spot-kicks hero
CITY REACH CUP QUARTER-FINALS AFTER BEATING SUPER LEAGUE SIDE BIRMINGHAM ON PENALTIES
LEICESTER City progressed to the quarter-finals of the FA Women’s Continental Tyres League Cup as the Foxes beat Birmingham City 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw in Solihull, writes Sean Cole of Sportsbeat.
In a game of few chances, the match went all the way to the wire, with Aimee Everett scoring the decisive spot-kick after Connie Scofield’s attempt hit the bar for the Blues.
The first chance of the Group E game went Birmingham’s way as Chloe McCarron fed the ball out wide to the overlapping Georgia Brougham, who managed to cut inside from the right but her nearpost shot was pushed behind by Kirstie Levell.
Leicester then took control, as a ball clipped over the top found the run of Charlie Devlin who attempted to lob the onrushing Hannah Hampton, but sent her effort wide of the post.
A neat passing move then released Esmee De Graaf down the left. She cut the ball back to Paige Bailey-Gayle who teed up Devlin, but the midfielder shot tamely straight at Hampton.
Birmingham had a great chance to go in front against the run of play when Lucy Whipp’s shot was blocked by Remi Allen’s hand, gifting them a penalty.
Mollie Green stepped up but she was denied by a fine save from Levell, diving low to her right.
More Leicester pressure almost paid dividends as they stole the ball high up the pitch, with BaileyGayle sending Lachante Paul through on goal, but she lacked composure and fired straight at Hampton.
The Blues improved following a double substitution at the break, and almost went in front when Claudia Walker turned on the edge of the box, but her powerful shot flew narrowly over the bar.
The Foxes should have gone in front when Bailey-Gayle seemed certain to score after latching onto a ball in behind the Birmingham defence, but she shot high and wide with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Both sides had chances during an end-to-end second half but neither could score.
Penalties would decide who went through and it was Leicester who held their nerve as Scofield’s attempt cannoned off the crossbar, leaving Everett to convert from 12 yards to see the visitors take the victory.
Leicester manager Jonathan Morgan said: “This year we’ve had a lot of games against Super League teams, both in friendlies and cup competitions, and I think we’ve done well against all of them.
“We really showed what we’re about as a team on that pitch, and how hard we’ve been working. I’m just really pleased to be honest.
“Birmingham have been a fulltime team for however many years now.
This is obviously our first season and we’re learning a lot every day, so the fact that we put out that performance against a team that’s actually doing very well this season, especially considering the circumstances surrounding the club, we’re really, really proud of that.”
“I think the girls have really dug deep today and I think every single one of them can go home today proud and pleased that they’ve put a shift in.”
Leicester City (4-3-3): Kirstie Levell; Libby Smith, Sam Tierney, Ashleigh Plumptre, Esmee De Graaf; Sophie Barker, Remi Allen, Charlie Devlin; Paige Bailey-Gayle, Tash Flint, Lachante Paul
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