Lincoln United Women were narrowly beaten by high-flying Peterborough United in the FA Womens’ National League Division One Midlands.
Title-chasing Peterborough came into the game unbeaten in their last eight, scoring 25 goals in the process. Meanwhile, the Whites’ recent home form was not to be overlooked though, winning four of their last five games at Ashby Avenue.
Lee Mitchell made two changes to the side that lost at Northampton Town two weeks ago.
Two disallowed goals after a slow start:
After a slow start to the game from both sides, the first real chance fell for Peterborough in the 20th minute. A loose clearance from Lucy Farrow sent Kier Perkins charging towards the Lincoln goal, but her effort could only find the side netting.
Peterborough kept applying the pressure and found the back of the net twice in ten minutes, but both goals were ruled out for offside.
Driscoll-King’s ball over the top found Reynolds at the back post who headed the ball home, but they were denied an opener as the assistant’s flag was up.
A quick corner towards Brown found Kirk on the six-yard line, who coolly slotted one into the far corner but was again ruled out by the assistant.
The Whites were threatening the Peterborough goal with chances of their own towards the end of the first half. A corner from Steadman found the head of Hayes on the back post but she could only find the side netting.
Just as the clock hit 45, Perkins found the opener with an incredible effort from outside the area. Her effort curled into the top right of the Lincoln goal, leaving Gray with no chance of making a save.
Late Lincoln United push:
The 70th minute saw shouts for Posh ‘keeper Nieve Corry to see red after a clumsy challenge on Farrow; a long ball over the top left her one-on-one with the keeper. The referee showed a yellow card and the resulting free-kick from Smith sailed over the bar.
Entering the final ten minutes, the visitors had a chance to double their advantage. Aguirre’s ball found Reynolds down the right side, but she couldn’t hit the target from just inside the penalty area.
Lincoln United dominated play in the closing stages. A huge chance to level the scoreline fell to Hayes after a scramble in the box, but she could not convert the chance.
FT: Lincoln United 0-1 Peterborough United
The visiting side take the three vital points back to Peterborough in their efforts chasing the title. Lincoln United created problems however, and they will not be disappointed with their efforts this afternoon.
Lincoln United manager Lee Mitchell said: “I’m proud of the performance, proud of the players. I think it shows the steps they’ve made to compete with a team like Peterborough.
“We’re a team that deserves to be here and we can compete at this level.”
Elsewhere, a 12-0 defeat at Northampton ended any Lincoln City Women hopes of avoiding relegation.