Lincoln United Women fall to defeat in Lee Mitchell’s first game in charge of the club.
Sunday afternoon saw The Whites return after two weeks of no league football, with a new manager in the dugout. The former Lincoln City head coach became the third manager to take over United this season, and oversaw a disappointing 4-0 loss in his first game, against Boldmere St. Michaels.
That means it is now six losses for United this term, with the result keeping them 8th in the league, three points clear of the relegation zone.
Despite the four goal margin, the game started evenly and Lincoln were just 1-0 down at the break. The second-half saw a much improved Boldmere side which the home team couldn’t contain, shipping a further three goals without response.
It took almost ten minutes for the first shot of the game to arrive, and it came courtesy of the visitors. Janelle Straker found space on the left-hand side and fired an attempt just over a bar.
In that time, it was clear the home side were focusing on a high line, likely implemented by new boss Lee Mitchell, as the Boldmere attackers found themselves offside five times in the opening seven minutes.
It was a well fought half. The away side were arguably the better side for the next ten or so minutes, but the Whites were pressing well and came up with crucial tackles in dangerous areas. Lincoln United goalkeeper, Amy Hood, made a brilliant save with her feet to keep the score level.
The opener did eventually come halfway into the first 45 minutes after Anna Wilcox played a great ball into Straker once again, who this time expertly found the bottom corner to put the visitors ahead.
The second-half saw Boldmere come out the gates flying, with Hood being forced into two great saves just five minutes in. It was not much longer before the visitors made their domination pay off as in the 56th minute, Tilly Astell capitalised on a poor back pass and slotted the resulting one-on-one into the far corner to double her team’s advantage.
The second goal was not met with much of a response from the home team, who were now getting dominated against the more experienced Boldmere side. With 20 minutes to go, the loss was sealed as Wilcox smashed in the third after Straker broke the Lincoln high line with a lovely weighted ball.
The game finished with a fourth for Boldmere, as they found themselves one-on-one with Hood once again. The United ‘keeper was beaten by another clinical finish, a harsh afternoon for the number one who had a pretty solid performance.
Next up in the league for Lincoln United is a trip to Barnsley, who are currently just one position ahead of the Whites in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands table.
Feature Image Credit: Ed Mayes Photography