Lincoln United Women win the Lincolnshire County Women’s Cup final for the third consecutive season after extra-time mayhem against rivals Lincoln City Women.
A nervy start to proceedings did not see much action within the first ten minutes until a huge penalty shout fell United’s way. Matilda Clark seemingly brought down Lucy Farrow as she entered the penalty area; referee James Moody was quick to wave it away.
The Whites started to grow into the game after the shout. Holly Wilson’s ball over the top found Farrow in behind the Imps right back but she could not test the ‘keeper from a tight angle.
United kept the pressure on and soon, a through ball left Alice Hayes one-on-one with Jasmine Ottewell in the Imps goal; the shot-stopper made herself big and denied Hayes from 10-yards out.
The United pressure relented into the closing stages of the first half, as Farrow lifted her effort over Ottewell but it was Matilda Clark’s goal-line clearance that denied the Whites an opener.
The Whites continued to apply the pressure early into the second 45. A scramble in the penalty area after a United corner saw an effort bound to hit the back of the net if it was not for Morris’ clearance off the line.
City’s backline soaked up the unrelenting pressure, and the Imps started fashioning chances of their own. Weronika Kruszyna picked up the ball down the left side and let fly from 25 yards out, as her effort curled right into the top corner leaving United ‘keeper Amy Hood with no chance of making a save.
Ten minutes to go and there was another huge shout for a Whites penalty. The stands of the Jakemans Community Stadium erupted as Farrow was brought down by Jacee Fells, but the referee was quick to wave it off.
United’s persistence paid off and they got their reward 92 minutes in. Alice Hayes fired the Whites level in the dying minutes and sent the game to extra time.
A dream start to extra time for what Whites as Farrow dispossessed Fells on the edge of the box and squared it to Betsy Thomas in acres of space inside the penalty area. She calmy slots it past the Imps keeper to put her side in front just 2 minutes in.
It did not take long for the Imps to reply. City captain Becky Kendall picked up a loose clearance from a corner and fired one into the bottom corner in the 96th minute to level up the tie once again.
Thrilling action in the start of extra time saw another goal fall United’s way in the 98th minute.
City’s ‘keeper spilled her save into the path of Jodie Steadman whose square ball found Lou Hembrough at the back post. She made no mistake from six yards out for her first goal in United colours.
After ten minutes of pure chaos to start the extra period, United controlled the rest of the proceedings.
The Whites had a few chances to put the nail in the coffin – but in the end, their one goal advantage was enough to see them be crowned champions after 120 minutes of incredibly entertaining football.
Lee Mitchell secured Lincoln United silverware after taking over halfway through the season, making The Whites County Cup champions for a third consecutive year.