A promising start to the Spring Series for Dave Edmondson's, London Bees side after drawing their opening match 1-1 at home to FAWSL newcomers Brighton & Hove Albion WFC, went on to win their next 2 matches away to Watford Ladies and home against Oxford United WFC. Lost last time out beaten 4-1 away to Doncaster Rovers Belles who were finally starting their own Spring Series campaign. Joint leaders on 7 points 2nd to Durham FC Women on goal difference a point or better will put London Bees top of the table.
A win for Sheffield FC Ladies would lift them up into 4th place in the table a point behind London Bees having won their opening fixture against Millwall Lionesses narrow losses have followed home and away to Durham FC Women and Everton Ladies. Have strengthened their attack by bringing in Lagan Makin and Natasha Flint from Flyde Ladies along with Hannah Cain on loan from Liverpool Ladies. Made the announcement 30 minutes before today's match via twitter of the addition of Jenna Dear to their squad the England youth midfielder having previously been with Chelsea Ladies and Everton Ladies goes straight into this evenings starting line-up.
Made it to The Hive this evening with a perfect score having got all the traffic lanes I needed to be in correct for once! As I mentioned in my previous outing to The Hive on the opening day of the Spring Series season The Hive has grown into an impressive venue, training pitches all around the main stadium facility at the heart of the community and London Bees are very much a part of that. The clocks have gone forwards, (I'm already looking forwards to getting that hour back in the autumn) a 7:00pm kick-off the sun setting behind the stand opposite daylight still with us, mild and dry too, the large pitch which has seen a fair bit of action already today looking in good shape.
London Bees starting XI - Sophie Harris, Ellie Perkins, Sophie Fogarty, Amber Tullett, Anne Meiwald, Paula Howells, Ashleigh Goddard (C), Hana Lalani, Emma Beckett, Lucy Loomes & Jo Wilson.
subs - Amelia Houghton-Boyle, Mollie Burgess, Evie Clarke, Tricia Gould & Becky Anderson
Sheffield FC Ladies starting XI - Juliana Draycott, Ellie Gilliatt, Emma Lipman, Sarah Jackson, Carla Ward (C) Sherry McCue, Hannah Cain, Jenna Dear, Lagan Makin & Natasha Flint.
subs - Claire Wallhead, Danielle Cox, Billie Murphy, Sophie Jones, Rhema Lord-Myers, Chloe Dixon & Emma Johnson.
London Bees to get the match underway wearing amber shirts, black shorts and socks with Sheffield lined up opposite wearing red shirts, with black shorts and white socks. The ball is played out to full back Sophie Fogarty making a run on the left over halfway sends the ball long through the middle aiming for striker Jo Wilson looking to make a central run, Sheffield centre back Sarah Jackson get her head on the ball nullifying the early threat. Busy start to the game London Bees pressing players forwards.
Emma Lipman closing the ball down wins a 50/50 brings it into the opposition half launches the ball from the right forwards towards, Natasha Flint up front knocks the ball on into the box, London Bees, Anne Meiwald gets across to put in the challenge send the ball out for a throw in on the left. From the throw Ellie Gilliatt takes the ball past 2 players towards the byline before cutting in back in towards the near post, Hannah Dale is there inside the six yard box turns the ball goalwards, London Bees goalkeeper, Sophie Harris flings herself to the ground making the save.
All action at the start of the game 3 minutes on the clock Sheffield attacking down the left the ball worked in towards the area is cleared out towards Hannah Cain 25 yards out central rifles a shot back in towards goal, Harris is beaten the ball flies over her smashes down off the crossbar, onto the goal line and out, very close to the opening goal. Competitive, London Bees midfielder Emma Beckett breaks up a Sheffield attack plays the ball forwards Lucy Loomes attacking down the right side, attempting to come infield is stopped by Sheffield captain Carla Ward playing at centre back.
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| Sheffield FC Ladies, Hannah Cain |
Wilson up on the halfway line right side wins the ball for London Bees sends Loomes away down the wing, Cain tracks back catching up with Loomes sliding it to prevent the cross the ball deflected away for the 1st corner of the game. Beckett gets up high near side a good leap to head the ball on in towards the middle of goal falls at Loomes feet top of the six yard box her snap shot blazes up over the crossbar. Gilliatt is proving to be a real threat on the left for Sheffield picking up the ball 30 yards out drives towards the box get a shot away the ball is deflected into the side netting, a goal kick is indicated however.
Beckett steps in to break up another Sheffield moves as Flint, Cain and Lagan Makin all look to combine up top passing the ball between them outside the area. A poor tackle from Jackson on Wilson sliding in from behind on the halfway line earns the defender the 1st yellow card of the game. Wilson requires treatment but is okay to continue. London Bees are beginning to get more of the ball Beckett along with Hana Lalani breaking thing's up in midfield. A throw on the left played into Beckett 30 yards out sends the pass inside to Loomes in a central position outside the box shifts it well to evade Ward's challenge gets a shot away her strike flying over the crossbar.
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| London Bees, Emma Beckett |
Another good pass from Beckett down the left channel, Paula Howells goes on as Wilson helps the ball on into the corner, the cross is long towards the far past, Sherry McCue gets her head on the ball sends it back across the area, Wilson arriving from that side meets the ball on the volley turning it in low towards goal, Sheffield goalkeeper, Juliana Draycott s down smartly at her post to make the save. A corner to London Bees on the left played in towards the near post by Loomes a scramble for the ball rolls back towards Lalani knocks it back towards Loomes who looks to open her body send the ball across the face of goal, Draycott on her line gets down low to claim the ball.
London Bees captain, Ashleigh Goddard comes away with the ball as Sheffield push forwards through the middle plays the good ball out to Howells on the move left side sweeps an early ball in towards the box, just out of the reach of Wilson trying to twist away from her marker. A high ball from Sheffield in towards the top of the area, Flint miscues her attempted volley, the ball looping up into the air is a tricky one for goalkeeper Harris to deal with, Lipman closing her down they collide as the ball pops out of the keeper's gloves before Amber Tullett clears, Harris is left floored needs treatment before continuing.
Half an hour played Sheffield bring the ball on through the middle Dear into Flint sends the pass into Makin ahead of her looking for the lay-off as she burst forwards Flint receives the return ball left of the D volleys in a shot the ball angling away from goal goes wide. Cain goes after the ball down the right as it is deflected into space following a strong 50/50, Tullett recovers the ground putting in the challenge as Cain attempts to hold it up, the home side giving away very little down the flanks preventing the ball coming into the area, both Fogarty and Ellie Perkins on the opposite side closing the ball down quickly when ever Sheffield look to go wide.
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| Sheffield FC Ladies, Natasha Flint |
When Gilliatt comes forwards and overlaps she succeeds in getting in beyond the London Bees defence taking the ball to the byline once again cuts the ball back into the middle of the area, it's Cain there again stretching for the ball this time throwing a foot forwards connects sends the ball up onto the crossbar, down into the six yard box, Tullett clears. Back with Sheffield on the right Lipman into Dale brings the ball inside passing to Flint outside the area, shoots places the ball wide of goal.
A free-kick to Sheffield 30 yards out on the right as Tullett fouls Dale. Gilliatt over the ball played long towards the far post players from both sides up for the header cleared by London Bees sent up towards the halfway line won back by Gilliatt comes on with it before trying an ambitious shot, on target Harris sees it safely into her gloves. A good run from McCue getting forwards for Sheffield through the middle her pass on for Flint is good however the striker has strayed offside. Into the last 5 minutes of the 1st half London Bees are risking getting caught in possession at the back trying short passes with Sheffield snapping at the ball. Gilliatt plays the ball through for Flint to go after looks to win the race with Meiwald into the area, the defender reaching the ball first, deals with the threat well.
Half-time London Bees 0-0 Sheffield FC Ladies
Goalless at the break, Sheffield with the better of the chances having started well striking the crossbar twice either end of the 1st half. Competitive in the middle of the park, defences on the whole able to deal with the ball ahead of them dropping deep little room in behind.
It's Sheffield to get the 2nd half underway no chances for either side. London Bees close down quickly Goddard out to Loomes on the right moving down the line Gilliatt closes her down tackles the ball out for a throw. Sheffield bring the ball on a one two between Dear and Cain outside the box, the threaded pass into the area intercepted and deflected towards Beckett who gets it away for London Bees, Sheffield come straight back at them Flint turning towards goal sees the ball over her shoulder well connecting on the volley outside the box sends her strike over the crossbar.
Makin with a pacy run down the right flank for Sheffield sends a high ball in towards the near post Harris going up for it claims well under pressure. McCue and Beckett enjoying a good tussle in the middle of the park neither backing out of a 50/50 ball throwing themselves at it McCue knocks it against Beckett and away for the throw in. Meiwald wins the ball at the back for London Bees plays it forwards with Loomes in space on the right, Gilliatt shows good recovery to close her down put in the tackle preventing the cross. The ball is soon up the other end Sheffield with a corner taken from the left by Ward placed onto the roof of the net.
Cain brings the ball on for Sheffield support from Gilliatt who fires the ball in towards Dale outside the box takes on the strike the shot whistling over the bar. A good start to the 2nd half from Sheffield. In their penalty box Ward heads the ball clear as Howells sends a free-kick wide on the left into the box for London Bees. Harris gathers a deflected shot from Cain as she forwards left to right across the face of the area. Gilliatt intercepts a Lalani pass aimed at Loomes moving right, the visitors counter attack Gilliatt playing the pass inside to Cain bursts forwards succeeds in getting in behind the return pass coming towards her Goddard has seen the threat and moves in to tackle Gilliatt stop the danger.
Lalani on the ball 30 yards out has time on the ball encouraged to shot pulls the trigger the ball swerves in the air but doesn't trouble Draycott who gets her body firmly behind the ball. 60 minutes played and both sides make a change Tricia Gould coming on for London Bees replaced Loomes. Emma Johnson comes on for Sheffield replacing Dale. A great pass sees Wilson through on the left bringing the ball on cuts it back inside towards the top of the area runners from midfield, Lalani has the option of a 1st time strike from the top of the area, instead takes a touch wrong footing the defender ahead of her inside the area shoots no power behind the strike Draycott dropping low gathers easily.
Howells links up with Lalani as they bring the ball forwards through the middle for London Bees closed down the ball is squeezed out to Goddard to the right 20 yards out fires the ball back into the D, Howells latches onto it sending a shot goalwards, Draycott is right behind it makes the save. An over the top ball on the left side see Wilson try to get half a yard on Ward as the pair tussle trying to win the race, Draycott is already on the move comes rushing out sliding in to make sure the ball disappears high into the stand. Moving into the two sides look evenly matched can either break the deadlock.
Sheffield make a 2nd change, Rhema Lord-Myers on for Flint. Lalani plays the ball out to Howells wanting the ball on the right crosses early the diagonal ball into the area a vital winning header from Ward to get the ball clear, miss it and Wilson was through on goal beyond. The last action of the game for Howells in the 77th minute as she makes way for Evie Clarke. Makin gets away down the right side for Sheffield her strike in towards goal hitting the side netting. Sheffield make their final change bringing off Cain, Chloe Dixon coming on. The match moves into the final 10 minutes.
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| Sheffield's Sherry McCue keeping the ball away from London Bees, Emma Beckett |
Cain brings the ball on for Sheffield support from Gilliatt who fires the ball in towards Dale outside the box takes on the strike the shot whistling over the bar. A good start to the 2nd half from Sheffield. In their penalty box Ward heads the ball clear as Howells sends a free-kick wide on the left into the box for London Bees. Harris gathers a deflected shot from Cain as she forwards left to right across the face of the area. Gilliatt intercepts a Lalani pass aimed at Loomes moving right, the visitors counter attack Gilliatt playing the pass inside to Cain bursts forwards succeeds in getting in behind the return pass coming towards her Goddard has seen the threat and moves in to tackle Gilliatt stop the danger.
Lalani on the ball 30 yards out has time on the ball encouraged to shot pulls the trigger the ball swerves in the air but doesn't trouble Draycott who gets her body firmly behind the ball. 60 minutes played and both sides make a change Tricia Gould coming on for London Bees replaced Loomes. Emma Johnson comes on for Sheffield replacing Dale. A great pass sees Wilson through on the left bringing the ball on cuts it back inside towards the top of the area runners from midfield, Lalani has the option of a 1st time strike from the top of the area, instead takes a touch wrong footing the defender ahead of her inside the area shoots no power behind the strike Draycott dropping low gathers easily.
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| London Bees, Hana Lalani holds off Sheffield's Sarah Jackson |
Howells links up with Lalani as they bring the ball forwards through the middle for London Bees closed down the ball is squeezed out to Goddard to the right 20 yards out fires the ball back into the D, Howells latches onto it sending a shot goalwards, Draycott is right behind it makes the save. An over the top ball on the left side see Wilson try to get half a yard on Ward as the pair tussle trying to win the race, Draycott is already on the move comes rushing out sliding in to make sure the ball disappears high into the stand. Moving into the two sides look evenly matched can either break the deadlock.
Sheffield make a 2nd change, Rhema Lord-Myers on for Flint. Lalani plays the ball out to Howells wanting the ball on the right crosses early the diagonal ball into the area a vital winning header from Ward to get the ball clear, miss it and Wilson was through on goal beyond. The last action of the game for Howells in the 77th minute as she makes way for Evie Clarke. Makin gets away down the right side for Sheffield her strike in towards goal hitting the side netting. Sheffield make their final change bringing off Cain, Chloe Dixon coming on. The match moves into the final 10 minutes.
GOAL! The deadlock is broke London Bees take the lead in the 82nd minute, possession in the final 3rd players forwards the ball played into Gould 20 yards out rolls it into the area with Wilson on her left breaking forwards latching onto the ball drills a low strike towards goal, races past the diving Draycott inside the near post and Wilson races away in celebration 1-0.
The home side quickly regain possession after the restart, Wilson is fouled out wide left the ball out side the area is swept in towards the middle of goal headed out by Jackson falls it Lalani outside the box her low shot is charged down by the on rushing Sheffield hoard, the rebound coming back to Lalani stabs at the ball this time her effort flying up and over the goal.
A corner kick for London Bees taken from the left played in low is cleared at the near post the ball running into the path of Wilson, goes to pull the trigger but is rapidly closed down the ball running out of the area Sheffield look to counter McCue brings the ball on through the middle Gilliatt the furthest forwards, McCue sends the ball forwards Gilliatt can't get a touch on the ball as it runs through into the box Harris coming out towards the edge of her box gathers.
GOAL! 2 minutes of normal play left and with Sheffield looking to get back on level terms late on they are hit on the counter attack Goddard bringing the ball on has Wilson available moving left plays a perfectly weighed pass into her feet the striker reaching the top of the area controls looks to come inside wrong footing the defender ahead of her room to shoot drills a rising shot pass Draycott, cannoning down off the crossbar bounces over the line and with her 2nd of the game Wilson races away in celebration again 2-0.
Sheffield push Gilliatt on Ward too looking for an immediate response, Lord-Mears comes forwards with the ball making a central run attempts to thread the pass into Ward as she breaks into the area left side of goal, Harris rushing out dives at her feet, Ward knocks the ball past her, however it runs out of play beyond for a goal-kick.
GOAL! Into injury time and Sheffield pull a goal back as they win the ball outside their area played up into Dear she produces a great pass with Gilliatt on the shoulder of the last defender, nips in front of her to knock the ball on and racing after it into the box throws herself off her feet getting to the ball before Harris sliding in sending it past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net 2-1.
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| Jo Wilson opens the scoring for London Bees |
A corner kick for London Bees taken from the left played in low is cleared at the near post the ball running into the path of Wilson, goes to pull the trigger but is rapidly closed down the ball running out of the area Sheffield look to counter McCue brings the ball on through the middle Gilliatt the furthest forwards, McCue sends the ball forwards Gilliatt can't get a touch on the ball as it runs through into the box Harris coming out towards the edge of her box gathers.
GOAL! 2 minutes of normal play left and with Sheffield looking to get back on level terms late on they are hit on the counter attack Goddard bringing the ball on has Wilson available moving left plays a perfectly weighed pass into her feet the striker reaching the top of the area controls looks to come inside wrong footing the defender ahead of her room to shoot drills a rising shot pass Draycott, cannoning down off the crossbar bounces over the line and with her 2nd of the game Wilson races away in celebration again 2-0.
Sheffield push Gilliatt on Ward too looking for an immediate response, Lord-Mears comes forwards with the ball making a central run attempts to thread the pass into Ward as she breaks into the area left side of goal, Harris rushing out dives at her feet, Ward knocks the ball past her, however it runs out of play beyond for a goal-kick.
GOAL! Into injury time and Sheffield pull a goal back as they win the ball outside their area played up into Dear she produces a great pass with Gilliatt on the shoulder of the last defender, nips in front of her to knock the ball on and racing after it into the box throws herself off her feet getting to the ball before Harris sliding in sending it past the goalkeeper and into the back of the net 2-1.
Full time London Bees 2-1 Sheffield FC Ladies
The last action of the game the final whistle blows and London Bees win 2-1 to take the 3 points and go top of the league. The result could have gone either way and at 0-0 going into the last 10 minutes it looked the most likely outcome, Wilson netting the all important goal scoring another with Sheffield chasing the game inside the final 2 minutes to put the result beyond doubt. Another day and the scoreline could easily have gone Sheffield's way. A dramatic end to the game.
SWF Blog - Player of the Match
A few contenders for the SWF Blog - Player of the Match today. Was a good tussle in midfield, Beckett did well along with Lalani for London Bees. Gilliatt a constant threat for Sheffield. Today's award however goes to Jo Wilson, a well taken brace inside the final 8 minutes to cap a strong performance up front always looking for an opening, ready to receive the ball when London Bees mount an attack.
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| Jo Wilson |
An entertaining contest at The Hive, treated myself to a new piece of merchandise too a London Bees mug, and seeings as it was buy one get one free I got two.
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