Lincoln City Women arrived at Boldmere St. Michaels after a positive performance last time out, earning a 3-3 draw away to table toppers Loughborough Lightning.
However, they ended their unbeaten start to 2024 with defeat to their hosts.
The Imps fell behind in the eighth minute, as a deflection off a shot on the edge of the box, fell to Abbey Bevan, who had time and space in the area, to roll the ball past Irvine in the Lincoln net.
Lee Mitchell’s side responded well with Maddi Green testing Boldmere goalkeeper Whiteman with a free-kick from distance, before Leah Hardy’s volley from more than 20 yards forced a fine fingertip save.
The host’s advantage was doubled on 28 minutes, as Gabby Maia showed her pace to break-through, before slotting the ball home. It was harsh against the Imps, and heavily against the run of play.
Poppy Irvine stopped Maia from grabbing her second five minutes before half time, diving to her left and holding the ball well.
The second-half started strongly for the hosts, as Jade Formaston went close to adding to the lead twice, both from a distance. The first flew over the bar, with the second stinging the palms of Irvine.
The Imps showed a spirited performance after the break and started to control proceedings and create chances. Lucy Farrow had arguably the best chance for the visitors just before the hour mark. Her one-on-one opportunity was gratefully held by Whiteman, denying the Imps a route back into the contest.
Substitute Jemima Footitt also went close as her header from close range was straight into the hands of a scrambling Whiteman. Hardy tried her luck again from the edge of the box in the final stages but could only whip it past the far post.
From the manager:
It wasn’t to be for the Imps, but performances against the top two sides in the league there are plenty of positives to take.
Lee Mitchell said: “We were a different team in the second-half. It was a disappointing first-half, but a good ending to the second half where we created more chances. We looked more like ourselves second half. On a different week, you score a couple of goals.”
Despite taking the positives from the performances, Mitchell was aware of his side’s poor start.
He said: “First half we had to change things. We adapt as always but no excuses we weren’t at the races first half, and with a team as good as them, they are going to punish you. We were lucky it was only 2-0. We had to make a substitute early, tactically, to try and turn the game but once we made the change, and got to half-time, we were a different team.”
Lincoln City now face Lincoln rivals United on Sunday, as they compete for a spot in the Lincolnshire FA County Cup Final in a repeat of last year’s showpiece occasion.