A 3-1 win at Meadow Lane in front of a crowd just shy of 600 ensured that Lincoln City Women would remain in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands next season.
The opening 45 minutes saw a rampant Imps performance, and Lee Mitchell’s side kept the hosts pegged back in their own half throughout. Jemima Footitt opened the scoring just before the 25-minute mark, when her effort from distance found the top left corner in emphatic fashion.
It took Lincoln only five minutes to double their advantage. After good work from Maddi Green on the left-wing, her cross found midfielder Neven Hincks, who made no mistake from inside the box.
Footitt continued her fine first-half display, as she took matters into her own hands again, going on a dazzling run on the right passing many of the County players in front of her. She found Lucy Farrow inside the penalty area unmarked, who rounded out the scoring for the Imps in the latter stages of the half.
The Magpies found a consolation goal at the start of the second-half, as Wilshaw pulled one back for the hosts. Imps’ goalkeeper Poppy Irvine was forced to make a quick reaction save from Burnett in the latter stages, but the Imps grounded out the victory to ensure maximum points were taken back home from Nottingham.
Mitchell on league survival:
The win secured the Imps safety in their division, meaning they will face the promoted Lincoln United Women next season.
The City manager said: “I’m really proud. We’ve had some great performances this season. It’s been fine margins where we have dropped points in the last minute, but the performances have been great. It’s all about being in step four and building on something. I’m really happy for them, excited about today and the three points that were thoroughly deserved.”
It was the first win in five games, since a 2-1 victory over Sheffield in March, which had been coming with promising performances over the past games.
Mitchell said: “I don’t think it’s as good as a performance as it has been over the last few weeks, but we have had good performances and not won. But today it wasn’t as good performance wise, but we got the goals and three points. We don’t care about the performance; we just want the three points. We didn’t want to be dragged into a relegation battle next week. We are mathematically safe, and we can build on something special for next season.”
Fantastic Footitt:
Two of the three goals came through winger Jemima Footitt on the right-wing, who scored and assisted. Mitchell was pleased with the winger’s recent performances.
He said: “She was flying in the first half. I think they struggled to handle our pace on both wings and up front today. Jimmy is still young, and she’s just started to get into the side regularly this side of Christmas. She’s one to watch for the future. We are a young side, and the players have done superbly this season.”
The Imps end the season at home to Loughborough Lightning on Sunday 5th May with the visitors looking to win the league title, with victory and Sporting Khalsa’s result going their way.
Feature Image Credit: Lincoln City FC