MATCH REPORT: ARNOLD EAGLES LFC 0 - 4 LINCOLN UNITED WFC

A solid performance by ‘The Whites’ resulted in them beating Arnold Eagles 4-0 away from home.

Both sides wasted no time in causing the opposition problems as an end-to-end first few minutes gave spectators high expectations of what to expect for the remainder of the game. Four minutes in, Ellie Gilliatt won a free-kick just outside the box. Even though the keeper was still sorting out her wall, the referee blew his whistle and Gilliatt smashed the ball towards the goal and watched it crash against the crossbar. Most players were busy watching the ball bounce on the line, but Demi Barai made sure she was first to the rebound and headed home!

Arnold Eagles LFC 0 - 1 #TheWhites

The home side showed grit and determination as they didn’t shy away from looking to attack the visitors, but United displayed greater attacking threat and continued to trouble the keeper and her goal. Tallulah Freeman had a good opportunity to grab a goal but aimed straight at the keeper. Barai also had another chance, which forced the keeper to make a save down low.

In the 29th minute, Gilliatt ran down the left wing before crossing into the box, where Tracey Duxbury-Mead produced a great header to guide the ball into the bottom corner.

Arnold Eagles LFC 0 - 2 #TheWhites

The rest of the first half had more close moments, including a challenge on Gilliatt in the box which wasn’t deemed a foul, but ‘The Whites’ never looked in danger of conceding.

Arnold Eagles LFC 0 - 2 Lincoln United WFC (HT)

6 minutes after play resumed, Lauren Churcher was brought down in the penalty box after passing to her teammate. The referee pointed to the spot and the playmaker took the penalty herself, rolling the ball past the keeper.

Arnold Eagles LFC 0 - 3 #TheWhites

Gilliatt had several chances to deservedly get a goal but a mixture of just off shots and good saves from the Eagles’ keeper continued to deny her. After 69 minutes, she finally got the goal, after a brilliant piece of work from Duxbury-Mead, who took the ball down before playing it through, and Gilliatt made sure she wouldn’t be stopped again as she smashed the ball into the roof of the net.

Arnold Eagles LFC 0 - 4 #TheWhites

Either side of the visitors’ fourth goal, they made three substitutions as Kaitlin Peaker, Liv Smith and Zoë Devonport replaced Freeman, Barai and captain Chloe Hodgson.

Whilst the last 15 minutes didn’t contain as much attacking excitement, the away side was solid in defence and didn’t look threatened.

The three points mean ‘The Whites’ are positioned in 3rd place in the table but with the possibility of overtaking Chesterfield Ladies if they win their game in hand.

Arnold Eagles 0 - 4 Lincoln United WFC (FT)

Next Sunday’s game sees 5th-placed Basford United Ladies visit Ashby Avenue and United will hope to pick up three more important points.

Match report by James Ede, photo credit JH Media