Lewry on target in Loughborough defeat
Chi City Ladies Loughborough Ladies’ football
Loughborough Foxes came from a goal behind to win 3-1 against Chichester City on Sunday in the FA Women’s National League Southern Premier.
Jess Lewry opened the scoring but goals for the Foxes by Rebecca Knight and Chloe Young gave them the advantage at half-time. Laura Steele put the game to bed in the second half when her 25-yard shot powered in off the post. A few changes were made to the starting lineup for Chi as Lewry, Nadine Bazan, Helen Ogle and Kim Stenning started with Tammy Waine captaining the side.
It was through Lewry that Chi found the opener as Bazan ran onto an Ogle pass to cross into the box. Molly Clark got a head to the ball as it dropped for Lewry who shot at goal and beat the keeper. The Foxes grew into the game and won a corner, which was whipped in by Steele to the back post which was met by Knight with a powerful header for the equaliser.
Five minutes before the break Loughborough took the lead when Rebecca Mcgrother was fouled in the box. Young stepped up and sent Wilson the wrong way to make it 2-1 at half-time.
Both teams continued to push in the second half. Mcgrother watched in dismay as her shot was blocked by her ownteammatewhileclarkwas keeping the Loughborough defence on their toes. Chi’s passing and movements looked threatening, however, the Loughborough backline remained firm. Wilson made a great low save to deny the oncoming Rogers who had been released by a long ball.
It was a frustrating afternoon for the hosts who searched for an equaliser. Substitute, Sharna Capelwatson had an instant impact setting up Lewry and Stenning but neither could get a shot off, although the assistant referee’s flag was raised. With 15 minutes on the clock, Loughborough made it 3-1 through Steele with a lovely finish from 25-yards that struck the right side of the post and found the back of the net.
Chi needed to throw everything into the final 10 minutes including the kitchen sink and chances came. Tash Stephens was denied by a defender while the rebound found Lewry whose effort was parried wide by Burle. The clocked ticked down and after two minutes of injury-time, the game was over.
Chi remain second in the league but with teams closing the gap. Up next Chi will travel to Canvey Island where C & K Basildon await.
Chi: Nina Wilson, Nadine Bazan, Laura Ingram (Sharna Capel-watson 67’), Tiff Taylor, Molly Clark, Tammy Waine (C), Jess Lewry, Helen Ogle, Kim Stenning (Sara Tubby 71’), Lauren Clark (Tash Stephens 59’), Gemma Simmonds.
Unused subs: Lauren Cheshire, Rebecca Barron.