LRFC Ladies U18’s triumph in a seven goal thriller
LEICESTER Road Ladies U18’s kickedoff in their first ever game at Hinckley’s Leicester Road Stadium when they entertained Groby Ladies U18’s. The Groby side had recently merged with Alexton Ladies and were tipped as potential league title contenders.
It took all of 88 seconds for Madison Warner to score her first league goal, assisted by Neve Hincks. The tempo was high in a physical battle against a competent Groby U18 Ladies team.
An early injury to Liv Moore forced a change on the left but the new 3-4-3 combination was effective. LRL were unlucky with a passback decision from a long goal kick from the opposing keeper, which allowed Groby to covert into a goal from an indirect free-kick.
Eight minutes later Olivia Keene on the right tore through the Groby midfield and crossed to assist Hincks who finished and put Leicester Road back in front.
It took another 30 minutes after half time before any more goals were seen, despite numerous chances on goal by Leicester Road. Groby scored from open play to level the game at 2-2.
With 15 minutes left Neve Hincks in the action again assisted with a low hard cross which looked unreachable, however Warner raced in to poke it home and Leicester Road were back in front for the third time. Strong midfield duo Alderney Martin and Abi-Leigh Baker were also getting opportunities of their own in front of goal so it was no surprise when Alderney assisted Neve Hincks to convert her second and Leicester Road’s fourth.
With three minutes injury time played, Groby were awarded a dubious penalty, but it was too late for them to do anything else despite scoring. The game ended 4-3. Player of the match was Abi-Leigh Baker.
A superb first league game for the newly formed Leicester Road FC Ladies U18 side playing mainly with 15 and 16 year olds in an Under 18 league.
Proud Manager Alison Huckvale and Coach Damian Moore felt the ladies thoroughly deserved the win and they showed true spirit working for each other.