Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 3 - 4 Lewes
Sunday 9th September 2007 at the Dog & Duck, Wellingborough Town FC
Match Report: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 3 - 4 Lewes Ladies
(South East Combination)
Diamonds Ladies lost their clash with League leaders Lewes in a tense and exciting match at the Dog & Duck. Despite taking the lead three times, the visitors fought back on each occasion eventually taking the points with an 82nd minute free kick.
After last week's tough game at
Lewes were promoted from the London & South East Regional Premier League last season, and were leading the South East Combination after three successive victories. They stormed out from the kick off and were very close to going in front after just 23 seconds when Clare Trafford's cross was put inches wide by Michelle Sarson.
Neither team was able to take control early on as both teams battled to win the midfield and clear chances were hard to come by. On 16 minutes, Diamonds nearly went in front after Fay Howell fired in a fierce 25 yard drive. Visiting keeper Trish Gower just managed to get a hand to the ball and knock it onto the crossbar and gather the rebound.
Rosie Thurston headed at the keeper after a cross from Charly Wright, but Lewes also went close on three occasions midway through the first half. Michelle Sarson beat Kelly Robinson and put in a dangerous cross which was cleared amongst shouts for a penalty, while Sarson had another effort blocked and saved by Nicola Raith. Aileen Whelan also cleared off the line from Sarson following a corner from Helen Whitten.
At the other end, Rosie Thurston had a goal bound shot blocked by Michelle Mangan but on 36 minutes, Diamonds took the lead. Mikaela Welford switched play to Jade Linnell who found Fay Howell on the left. Her fierce shot left Trish Gower with no chance. Lewes tried to create some pressure at the end of the half but Diamonds were defending well and looked in little danger of conceding. Vicky Gallagher came on for the injured Mikaela Welford just before the break.
Half time: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 1 - 0 Lewes
Diamonds seemed to switch off at the start of the second half, and it took just 44 seconds for Lewes to get level. Clare Trafford was allowed time to run through the static defence and unleash a shot past Nicola Raith to make it 1-1.
The loss of such an easy goal spurred on Diamonds as they tried to take the initiative again on 48 minutes. The ball was played quickly through to Jade Linnell, who in turn set Vicky Gallagher free. Her left foot shot went past the visiting keeper and into the net off the left upright.
Lewes started to rely more on the long ball up to Clare Trafford, who had been causing Diamonds problems at the back with her direct approach. Rosie Thurston had to be alert, making a couple of vital tackles as she headed goal-wards. The end to end football continued as Zoe Jackson's mistake at the back allowed Gallagher a good chance to increase Diamonds lead, but she was unable to trouble the keeper with a weak shot.
Two minutes later, Diamonds were in front yet again. Charly Wright took the ball down the left and passed inside to Vicky Gallagher. She in turn laid the ball off for Aileen Whelan to place a perfect shot into the top corner of the net. Diamonds started to look more confident over the next few minutes, but were struck on the break again with another long ball forward to find Clare Trafford on 65 minutes. The Diamonds defenders were unable to deal with her pace as she set up substitute Kirsty Spice to lob the keeper and level the scores again.
Diamonds tried to take the game to Lewes again with Charly Wright constantly causing problems on the left. Her crosses nearly caught out Lewes on a number of occasions. As the game entered the final twenty minutes, both sides continued to press for a deciding goal. The visitors seemed to be coping better defensively and managed to keep Diamonds chances to a minimum. Trafford and Spice were continuing to cause problems when Lewes went on the attack, and Laura Dunn was unfortunate to give away a free kick just outside the area after the ball struck her hand from close range. Helen Whitten fired the free kick above the wall and past Nicola Raith to put Lewes in front for the first time on 82 minutes.
Diamonds should have got level on 86 minutes, but the visitor's keeper Trish Gower made an unbelievable save to deny Wright. They had a final chance following some movement between Fay Howell, substitute Priya Nataly and Charly Wright, but Howell was just unable to get the final header on target.
Full time: Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 3 - 4 Lewes
With Lewes having gone most of last season without a defeat, and already gaining nine points from their opening three games, their team spirit and persistence earned them another victory. Diamonds seemed to be more dis-organised at the back than normal, particularly in the second half and paid the price for some sloppy defending. Next Sunday, Diamonds Ladies visit The Eyrie, Bedford Town FC where they take on Bedford Town Bells.
Teams:
Rushden & Diamonds Ladies: Nicola Raith, Leanna Doyle, Kelly Robinson, Rosie Thurston (Priya Nataly 90+2), Laura Dunn, Aileen Whelan (Anna McLeod 88), Molly Marsh, Charly Wright, Mikaela Welford (Vicky Gallagher 42), Jade Linnell, Fay Howell.
Subs not used: Nil.
Lewes Ladies: Trish Gower, Zoe Jackson, Rebecca Charker, Michelle Mangan, Helen Whitten, Kelly Newton, Katie McMillan, Kierra Chapman, Clare Trafford, Michelle Sarson (Kirsty Spice 52), Lauren Harding.
Subs not used: Kerry Tagg, Katy France.
Goals: Fay Howell 36 (1-0), Clare Trafford 46 (1-1), Vicky Gallagher 48 (2-1), Clare Trafford 57 (2-2), Aileen Whelan 59 (3-2), Kirsty Spice 65 (3-3), Helen Whitten 82 (3-4).
By Dave Mason
Reserve Team fixture:
Midland Combination Reserves
Rushden & Diamonds Ladies 3 - 3
Goals from Ashley Palmer(2), Amy O'Brien.
Forthcoming fixtures:
16th
23rd September
26th
30th September Welwyn Garden City (Away)
