The University of Lincoln’s Women’s Football team beat the University of East Anglia 5-1 on an opening day match they completely dominated.
Lincoln fielded a number of freshers in their first BUCS game of the season with three defenders and striker Amy Blinkhorn all being new to the club.
Kick-off was delayed due as there were no pins to to hold the net down, but that didn’t faze Lincoln as they got off to a brilliant start.
Blinkhorn, making her BUCS debut, cut in on the right wing, an area which the hosts really capitalised on, and gave her side the lead with a great finish into the far corner.
There was no rest for the visitors and Lincoln pressed home their advantage when captain Sophie Bartup put in a great ball for Blinkhorn who coolly slotted past the East Anglia ‘keeper.
Lincoln absolutely dominated the first half with the only thing of note to happen for the visitors from Norwich was the Red Arrows flying past just before the game began.
They registered no shots at all, with the home goalkeeper Georgina Wright even shouting to the crowd that she was bored.
However Lincoln will be frustrated that they were not more clinical in front of goal
The East Anglia defence constantly presented the home side with chances but more often than not the ball either ended up over or in the goalkeeper’s arms.
Half time: Lincoln 2-0 UEA
East Anglia showed more intent in the second half and got their first shot off early when they found some space in the box but it was straight at Wright.
However their defensive frailties were shown instantly as Bartup almost repeated Blinkhorn’s goal from the first when she cut in, but shot straight at the visitors ‘keeper.
Lincoln made sure of their win not long after.
A cross was whipped in from the right and Rebecca Siefers headed in from close range.
There was barely time to settle down before Lincoln got their fourth.
Blinkhorn received the ball from Bartup and managed to turn and score.
The East Anglia goalkeeper should have done better as she did get a hand to it, but the striker would have been ecstatic to get a hat trick on her debut.
East Anglia did start to show some promise and even created themselves a brilliant chance when the ball was laid off to a striker who promptly blasted it over the bar.
And like last time, Lincoln punished them for their lack of ability in front of goal.
After some excellent passing around the box, which included a great back heel from Bartup, the ball found its way into the box and Robyn Handbrook simply passed it into the back of the net.
Towards the end of the game Lincoln relaxed and the visitors pulled a goal back, the only blemish on an otherwise great opening day.
East Anglia sent over a long ball and it bounced past an onrushing Wright and went into the net.
LincSport Player of the Match: Amy Blinkhorn – Not only did she get a hat trick but she was composed on the ball and terrified the East Anglia defence when she ran at them.
Lincoln Captain Sophie Bartup
“It could have been 10-0 today”
“We had a lot of shots on target. It (finishing chances) is something we’ll need to work on. But we’re getting in the right positions.”
“Back four played really well. Cassie our centre back was a massive plus for us today”
“I feel really confident going into our next game coming out with a 5-1 today.”
On Man of the Match Blinkhorn “She’s absolute quality. I of course set up all three of her goals. She came in first year and every single time I gave her the ball she was in the right position.”