Lincoln United Women beat Worcester City to secure a pivotal 4-2 victory in the battle for survival in the FA Women’s National League.
The Whites made a fast start to the game, taking the lead after just four minutes, when Izzy Thorpe hit a sensational first-time effort from outside the 18-yard box into the top-right corner.
Lee Mitchell’s side nearly doubled their lead ten minutes later, when Lucy Farrow was put through one-on-one with City goalkeeper Kirsty Bridgwater. But, the visitors’ shot stopper made a good save to keep the game at 1-0.
Then on 26 minutes, some good build up between Alice Hayes, Farrow and Holly Wilson resulted in an opportunity for the Whites, when the ball was sent across the six-yard box for Wilson, but she steered it just wide of Bridgwater’s left-hand post.
On 41 minutes, Keeley-May Crew drew the game level for the visitors, with an impressive finish which looped over Elise Gray into the back of the net.
Just before the break, the Whites regained their advantage through Hayes, who converted from a corner kick in the dying embers of the additional two minutes of stoppage time.
The Whites started the second-half in much the same way they did the first and remained on top.
On 53 minutes, Hayes grabbed her second of the match. A dangerous free-kick delivered by Olivia Smith caused confusion among the Worcester City defence, as Hayes was there to poke the ball home through Bridgwater’s legs.
On 72 minutes, Smith turned provider again with a great delivery from a corner kick into the path of Thorpe who grabbed her second, heading powerfully into the net, despite the efforts of Bridgwater.
Soon after, Worcester struck the post down the other end of the pitch, when the ball rebounded off a United defender.
Then on 77 minutes, the visitors grabbed their second of the game, after a shot from substitute Kaye Haggett could only be palmed away by Gray. It fell into the path of Jessica Fassnidge to follow in from close range.
The result saw Lincoln United close the gap on Sutton Coldfield Town to three points, while they remain in ninth. Lee Mitchell’s side sit nine points above Worcester City and 13 points in front of the relegation zone.
The Whites host Lincoln City on Wednesday in the second derby of the campaign.