LTHC Ladies 1st XI 2 vs Derby Ladies 1st XI 2
MRHAWL – Midlands Feeder East
Saturday 3rd November 2018
Currently sitting in third place in Midlands Feeder East, Loughborough Town Ladies 1st XI hosted top of the table Derby Ladies 1st XI on Saturday in what promised to be an entertaining fixture.
Full of confidence after their win against Loughborough Student Ladies 3rd XI last weekend, Town dominated the early exchanges and forced the visitors back into their half with their tight press. Pouncing on loose balls Town didn’t have to wait long for their first short corner after a strong drive down the wing from Shana Featonby forced a clearance off the back line by a panicking Derby defender. In a routine that is proving highly successful, Ashleigh Godfrey’s straight strike found the target and gave Town the 1-0 lead. Before the break Town could have still improved their advantage. Woman of the match Emma Weir impressed in midfield but Town struggled to convert their chances in the final quarter. The best of the chances fell to Town forward Emily Hill, who weaved into the circle and found herself in a one on one with the keeper. However some excellent goalkeeping saw Hill go flying and the ball swept harmlessly away from the goal.
After the half time whistle, it was Derby who came out with more energy. Town defenders Izzie Limb and Claire Howard expertly marshaled the defensive line and resisted the onslaught from the visitors. However, before long a high ball from the visitor’s defence set up a one on one of their own with Town keeper Harriet Galpin. Although Galpin parried the first attempt of the striker, the ball was scrambled over the line to bring the score to 1-1. Derby sensed blood and continued to press as Town’s frustration threatened to get the better of them. Derby’s second came as Town’s high press left them exposed to a fast break. Derby’s forward weaved her way past Town’s outstretched sticks and managed to squeeze the ball underneath Galpin. Some last ditch defending from Howard was not enough to keep the ball from trickling over the line to give the visitors the 2-1 lead.
With just five minutes remaining on the clock, Town rallied together and looked the stronger side. Emily Burgwin, Ashleigh Godfrey and Annie Piper took command in midfield and Town enjoyed more possession as their rhythm was restored. Derby turned to putting 11 players inside their own half in an attempt to preserve their delicate lead. Izzie Limb came close with a strike from the top of the top of the circle, but Derby’s keeper safely deflected the ball away. Finally after many shots went agonizingly wide, Town were rewarded for their persistence as Alex Hardy turned the ball over the line from close range to even the scores at 2-2. With just minutes remaining Town pressed on for the win but the final whistle came and they were out of luck. Although left regretting missed chances in the first half, Town still maintain their third place position with their point from the draw.
