Leek Town 3-2 Lincoln City

FA Womens National League

Leek Town Ladies 1st v Lincoln City Women.

The visitors put Leek under pressure in the opening exchanges with Beth Cottrell forced into making a good save 8 minutes in.
Leek grew into the game with Chantelle Gallagher looking particularly lively causing the visitors a few problems.
Leek opened the scoring from an Emma Smith throw in which Jade Treanor turned into the path of Katie Gibbons who put in a good cross to find the on running Gallagher who slotted home.
It was only a few minutes later that Lincoln won a corner which Leek cleared but the ball fell to a Lincoln player some 25 yards out and hit a sweet strike into the top right hand corner of the Leek goal giving the keeper no chance.
Another good save from Cottrell kept the scores level, Katie Gibbons at the other end worked herself a good chance which the Lincoln keeper also saved.
Shortly after Gibbons was forced off with a knee injury and whilst Leek were down to 10 players Lincoln found their striker in the box who turned well to put her side 2-1 up. Gibbons was replaced by Lucy Knowles.

Half time Leek Town 1-2 Lincoln City

The second half started with a 2nd substitution by Leek with Emma Smith being replaced by Kim Tsiga. Leek started on the front foot. A Gallagher free kick was well saved by the Lincoln keeper. Gallagher took the resultant corner which was met perfectly by Leek Captain Cassie Hyde at the far post to head home and level the score.
Another good save was made by Cottrell after being 1v1 with the striker.
Leek pushed forward looking for another goal with Lucy Knowles having a shot gathered by the keeper.
A few minutes later Alanya Tezgel won a corner which was taken by Paris O’Connor with a good delivery finding the head of Jade Treanor who put Leek in front with a powerful header.
After the restart Lincoln broke the Leek defensive line getting their striker in 1v1 with Cottrell who saved well again to keep Leek in front.
Jennifer Jacques replaced Tezgel as Leek made a third substitute. Gallagher then had the Lincoln goalkeeper struggling with a speculative effort from wide on the right which the keeper did well to keep out.
Gina Rushton then replaced Gallagher. Leek then managed the game well and kept possession well with some skilful play from Katie Maya in particular.
The final Leek chance fell to Jennifer Jacques who fired just wide.
Leek played the game out for the 3 points.

Final score Leek Town 3-2 Lincoln City

Leek Town player of match awarded by opposition was Beth Cottrell

Leek Town squad: Beth Cottrell, Chloe Cotterill, Emma Smith, Becky Arnold, Cassie Hyde (capt), Paris O’Connor, Katie Gibbons, Chantelle Gallagher, Alanya Tezgel, Katie Maya, Jade Treanor, Lucy Knowles, Kim Tsiga, Jennifer Jacques, Gina Rushton.