The Blues’ Ladies fall to another 1-0 defeat, this time at the hands of Arsenal. This is a brief match report.
The following facts have been sourced from the official Birmingham City Ladies’ football club site.
Birmingham City: Rebecca Spencer; Meaghan Sargeant, Aoife Mannion, Kerys Harrop, Jess Carter; Remi Allen, Jade Moore, Jo Potter (Kirsty Linnett 46, Charlie Wellings 87); Karen Carney ©, Freda Ayisi, Mel Lawley
Subs not used: Cheryl Edwards, Emily Westwood, Alex Windell, Coral Haines, Chloe Peplow
Bookings: Ayisi (40) + (45)
Red cards: Freda Ayisi (45)
Arsenal: Emma Byrne; Alex Scott © (Danielle Carter 46) Jemma Rose, Casey Stoney, Emma Mitchell; Leah Williamson, Vicky Losada (Jade Bailey 77) Dominique Janssen; Marta Corridra Natalia Pablos (Rachel Yankey 73) Chioma Ubogagu
Subs not used: Sari Van Veneedal, Carla Humphrey, Chloe Kelly, Evie Clarke
A crowd of 1,278 watched this game at Solihull Moors FC on Sunday the 19th July.
It was the first home game for Birmingham City Ladies after the very successful Women’s World Cup and this shows with the remarkable turn out by the fans.
Every time I write a report on the Women’s team, it seems that a 1-0 defeat is all that I write about and today is no different. The lack of goal scoring has to be a concern for the management.
The Blues’ side started off very brightly and despite an even contest, they looked the most dangerous due to their deadly set pieces. Potter proving a handful to Arsenal.
However, as the more experienced players in red started to get into the game, the tide turned. Arsenal had several chances to get ahead in the first half but resolute defending was the key. Spencer in particular, the goalkeeper, was having a fabulous game.
Ayisi then dealt a massive blow for the Blues’. Having already been cautioned, she made a rash challenge in the middle of the park and was sent off in injury time just before the half way stage of the match.
The man advantage proved vital on the 53 minute mark. Ubogagu slotted the ball home from 12 yards to give the visitors a 1-0 lead.
This didn’t deter Birmingham, and soon after Lawley had a deflected shot which the Goalkeeper carried beyond the line. This was not seen by the officials unfortunately.
Again, they didn’t let this misfortune put them down. Linett had two brilliant opportunities later on in the match but both times she missed. One was a volley from 12 yards, the other was a 1v1 chance.
The game was fast and furious for the last ten minutes. Both sides attacking as though it was a game of FIFA. Heroics from Spencer in the last minute allowed the scoreline to stay as one.
But the Blues didn’t find a goal and Arsenal ran out 1-0 winners and took the 3 points back to London. That’s the same number of points as Birmingham have acquired all season. Something needs to change.
Source – Birmingham Ladies Official Site
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