The Imps beat United 3-1 in a closely contested game between two quality teams. A showcase of women’s football in Lincolnshire, hopefully inspiring many of the young footballers who were in attendance.
Kick off
Lincoln United started the game in the best possible way. On the 2nd minute mark, the first real chance of the game was converted by United. Abbie Murrell rose powerfully to head the ball into the back of the Imps net. 1-0 United.
The whites began to build momentum in the early stages. With direct wing play and corners causing problems for the Lincoln City backline all afternoon.
A late challenge on United player Brock-Taylor brought an extended stoppage to the game, as Whites manager Chris Funnell was forced into a substitution. This period provided some respite for City.
Photo Credit – Ben Carr
The Imps started to pass themselves into the tie, with intricate and precise football. Jess Rousseau was in the right place to capitalise on the pressure, as she was played in to calmly round the keeper and equalise for the Imps.
Despite the equaliser, Lincoln united continued to create chances. With Lauren Churcher forcing a number of saves out of Halloran in the Imps goal before the break.
Half time:
City came out of the break with a point to prove. Shortly into the second period, an enticing cross from the Imps left-hand side forced a save out of the United keeper. The ball then dropped to Rousseau whose effort was scrambled off the line.
United was forced to dig into their own half, as the Imps began to maintain possession more comfortably and bombarded the United defence.
The blitz eventually took its toll. With Wilcock emphatically finishing from close range 53 minutes in. 2-1 City.
Lincoln United were never underwhelmed. And the support of their u11’s team in the crowd lifted the atmosphere. Another delightful corner from Liv White was headed onto the bar by United, as the Imps weren’t out of the woods yet.
However, the game was effectively put out of sight by the Imps. As Mchamilton met a hopeful ball over the top to cleverly beat the oncoming United keeper. 3-1 City.
United were provided with a glimpse of hope in the dying moments after being awarded a penalty. Although it wasn’t to be. As the resulting spot kick was fired over the bar.
Fulltime:
In a big game for women’s football in Lincolnshire, both teams put on a show. With Lincoln United not shying away from a team one division above. The 292 strong attendance were not disappointed.