Match Report LUFC 4-1 Anstey Nomads Women

The final league game of the season for ‘The Whites’ was a scrappy and tired performance against Anstey Nomads as United came out 4-1 winners.

Once again, the hosts broke the deadlock within the first ten minutes as Ellie Gilliatt continued her brilliant first season for the club. Demi Barai, playing in a deeper role than usual, played a lofted ball over the top of the visitors’ defence. The bounce of the ball tricked the keeper, which enabled Gilliatt to fire home on the half-volley.

#TheWhites 1-0 Anstey Nomads

The next 25 minutes or so became a rough contest as neither side was at its best and resorted to quickly, rushed balls over the top. The home side was kept alert by the opposition’s speedy attackers. Captain Chloe Hodgson was forced into a good covering challenge and her defensive partner Annie Ward was shown a yellow card after preventing a counter-attack.

Gilliatt doubled her tally in the 38th minute with an even better goal. Another aerial ball found her nicely, positioned just outside the 18-yard box. She kept the ball up in the air before perfectly chipping it over the keeper into the back of the net.

#TheWhites 2-0 Anstey Nomads

The start of the second half brought a triple substitution from manager Chris Funnell as Lauren Churcher, Frankie Wilson and Megan Long entered the field to replace Betsy Thomas, Tallulah Freeman and Sally Cairns.

It only took another ten minutes for Gilliatt to complete her hat trick. Once again, it was a ball over the top which exposed the goalkeeper to a one-on-one situation. This time Gilliatt gave her no chance as the power of her shot forced the keeper to take safety action as it smashed into the back of the net.

#TheWhites 3-0 Anstey Nomads

A fourth goal for ‘The Whites’ came in the 59th minute, but this time from Tracey Duxbury-Mead. Substitute Churcher controlled the ball well before playing a through ball in between the defenders. The striker ran onto it and finished calmly into the bottom right corner.

#TheWhites 4-0 Anstey Nomads

More substitutions came as Thomas and Cairns returned in the places of Kaitlin Peaker and Liv Smith. Gilliatt continued to fire shot after shot at the keeper, a change in personnel at halftime, but couldn’t find a way past her and her fourth goal of the night.

The Nomads claimed a consolation goal in the second minute of added time as a long-range effort sailed over Rosie Davidson’s head and into the net, only minutes after the keeper did brilliantly to gather the ball from the feet of the striker after firstly palming it away.

#TheWhites 4-1 Anstey Nomads

Full-time came and signalled the end of the East Midlands Women’s Regional Football League. Lincoln United finished solidly in second place, six points behind champions Notts County and will be hoping to take the crown next season.

For now, they will be looking forward to their final game of the season, the League Cup final away at Arnold Eagles on 21st May.

Written by James Eden Photo Credit: Ed Mayes Photography