WCWFC 0-4 Lincoln United

WCWFC Starting Line Up 

Lincoln United claimed all three points in what turned out to be a difficult afternoon at Sixways for City. City started the opening stages of the game very strongly, earning a corner within the first minute. A few nice combinations between the attacking players saw City create some nice early chances. However, Bellamy’s goal within 4 minutes which was created by a Mitcham backheel, was deemed to be offside and disallowed.

This disallowed goal shifted the momentum of the game somewhat, and within minutes, Copley found herself one on one with Stolt and slid the ball into the corner to put Lincoln 1-0 ahead. Following this goal, which was somewhat against the run of play, City attempted to rally and nearly equalised with two of Fassnidge’s efforts being well cleared off the line by the Lincoln defence. It was Lincoln who then doubled their advantage in the 23rd minute with Wilson tapping the ball into the City net following a dangerous cross.

The 31st minute saw City make our first substitution with Jones coming on for Bate in defence. As the half progressed, City began to grow more into the game and it took a strong save from the Lincoln keeper to deny Congrave’s long distance effort. The Lincoln number 1 Hood, then reacted well to deny Robinson who was put through following a classy Mitcham and Congrave combination. In the final minutes of the half, Lincoln had the final chance as City struggled to clear a ball in the box following a corner.

Lincoln came out stronger in the second half as Copley came close only two minutes into the half. In the 50th minute, Lincoln made it 3-0 as Churcher cut a composed figure as she put the ball in the bottom corner. The 58th minute saw a double City attacking change with both Flitney and Griffiths making way for Rogers and Corazza. Following this change, Bellamy did well to fight to win a free kick after being pulled back by a Lincoln defender but Fassnidge’s subsequent effort was well dealt with by Hood. 

In the 64th minute, Baldwin came on for Robinson as City shifted to playing three at the back in an attempt to get forward. Shortly afterwards, Jones did excellently to deny another Lincoln goal with a sliding goal-line block. As we moved into the later stages of the game, neither team had many clear-cut chances as Lincoln retained the majority of possession. Despite Lincoln dominating much of the ball, City players showed spirit to still get forward with Mitcham attempting a shot in the 88th minute which forced Hood into a save. It was Lincoln who scored the final goal of the game, however, as substitute Dean finished cooly following an excellent cross into the box.

City will look to move forward from this defeat and build ahead of next week’s away game against Leafield Athletic.