MATCH REPORT: LINCOLN UNITED WFC 2 - 2 ARNOLD EAGLES LFC

‘The Whites’ dropped points at home to Arnold Eagles as a 2-2 draw ended their hopes of promotion, as Coach Ewan Chesman admitted in his post-match interview.

The game began in worrying circumstances as Chloe Hodgson went down injured in the opening minutes. After receiving treatment for five minutes she was able to get back on her feet but had to be taken off. Demi Barai came on to replace her.

The hosts took control of the match and started to create chances as Ellie Gilliatt and Frankie Wilson both had chances from inside the box. However, they were either off-target or straight at the keeper.

Against the run of play, the visitors took the lead in the 19th minute. A through ball from midfield forced Rosie Davidson to come out of goal as the striker closed her down. She wasn’t able to connect with the ball and her opponent gratefully passed into the open goal.

#TheWhites 0 - 1 Arnold Eagles LFC

United fought back well and continued to attack the Eagles’ defence. Betsy Thomas, Liv Smith, and Gilliatt all had opportunities to equalise but weren’t able to keep their shots down.

In the 33rd minute, the home side levelled through Wilson. Gilliat crossed from the right side and, after Lauren Churcher couldn’t convert, Wilson poked the ball over the line.

#TheWhites 1 - 1 Arnold Eagles LFC

‘The Whites’ continued to maintain their momentum but couldn’t find another goal. Sally Cairns replaced Smith and not long after halftime came.

Lincoln United WFC 1 -1 Arnold Eagles LFC (HT)

With the first chance of the second half, Annie Ward’s header from a corner was blocked on the line and, shortly after, Gilliatt was denied once again by the keeper.

The away side took the lead again though after a penalty was awarded as Megan Long committed a foul inside the box. Arnold’s penalty taker didn’t waste the opportunity as she finished past Davidson.

#TheWhites 1 - 2 Arnold Eagles LFC

Hodgson returned to the action in place of Tallulah Freeman, now recovered from her earlier injury. In what was a first for many spectators and players, the visitors’ goalkeeper was sin-binned by the referee, as she seemed to disagree with his decision to not award them a free kick.

Gilliatt continued to fire towards goal and Ward had another great chance but this time missed from a matter of yards. Kaitlin Peaker replaced Wilson, in hope of adding the needed finishing to get back into the game.

It appeared as if ‘The Whites’ wouldn’t collect any points, but Gilliatt had other ideas as she dribbled past a few players before firing past the keeper and finally equalising in the 90th minute.

#TheWhites 2 - 2 Arnold Eagles LFC

The action wasn’t over yet though as both sides still had massive chances to snatch all three points. Firstly, Gilliatt crossed the ball across the box but Peaker wasn’t quite in a position to connect with it and the ball ran away. The away side had an even better chance in the last minute of additional time. Their striker found herself in a one-on-one with Davidson, but the keeper did incredibly well to tip the ball over the bar.

Lincoln United WFC 2 - 2 Arnold Eagles LFC (FT)

The hosts were extremely disappointed with the end result but will have to pick their heads up for next week’s fixture at home to Oughtibridge War Memorial Women.

They will also want to build a positive momentum before they face the Eagles again in the League Cup final at the end of the season.

Match report by James Ede, Photo by Ed Mayes Photography