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Lily Agg celebrates after grabbing the Lionesses third goal of the day
It was a derby day quite unlike any other, as the Lionesses took all three points from Charlton Athletic in a dramatic seven goal thriller.
From the outset this was always going to be a hotly contested battle between the two sides, with last season’s 2-0 win at Princes Park still very much fresh in the minds of all involved.
In front of a charged Oakwood crowd, the two sides kicked-off, and the London City fans didn’t have to wait long to cheer the visitors.
Within just 10 minutes Jamie-Lee Napier got the Lionesses ahead, getting on the end of a ball into the box from Lily Agg and poking it past the Charlton keeper.
The one goal advantage was quickly doubled though, with Atlanta Primus meeting a Lois Joel corner kick, turning away from her marker and firing her shot into the bottom corner.
An electric opening 15 minute’s that very much set the tone for the game ahead.
The rest of the half continued to see the threat posed by the Lionesses attacking line, with Primus, Napier and Karin Muya all linking well to create opportunities for each other.
Yet it was the home side that found the back of the net next, with Emily Simpkins reducing the deficit from the penalty spot.
The second half was just as hotly contested as the first, with Joel’s dead balls continuing to cause havoc for the Charlton back-line.
However, it was Addicks who struck first in the second ’45, with Emma Follis steering her shot just past the gloves of Shae Yanez, to make it 2-2 at 54 minutes.
Jamie-Lee capitalises to make it 1-0 to London City
The Lionesses immediately went about looking to restore their lead though, with Napier making a remarkable marauding run down the left flank to go one-on-one with the keeper, but the shot was just wide of the mark.
The persistence of the City attacked paid off however, with Amy Rodgers delivering one of her now trademark, outside of the box efforts to restore the lead to the Lionesses.
After failing to get her first shot past her marker, the second one was sent right into the far top corner, leaving the keeper absolutely no chance.
Despite having restored the advantage, the tenacity of the LCL attack continued, with Lily Agg poking home from a corner to all but secure victory for the away side and make it 4-2.
Yet throughout this time the Charlton forwards continued to pose a threat, with Yanez, on her 50th appearance for the club, being called into action several times.
However, just minutes into added time, Charlotte Fleming was brought down, and landed awkwardly. The injury was such that Fleming was soon being taken to the local hospital for further checks.
Following the lengthy pause, the game was restarted, with Charlton then going and getting one back, in the form of a Corinne Henson backheel finish.
But at full time, it was the Lionesses who were taking all three points back to Princes Park.
Head Coach, Melissa Phillips
After the game, we spoke with Head Coach, Melissa Phillips, to get her thoughts on the game.
“A hard-fought match and very well earned three points.
“A fantastic response from the group as the game ebbed and flowed throughout. We had so much to build upon from last weekend’s performance and it was about us being clinical in front of goal, which we were today.
“To have four different goal scorers and two set piece goals is a true credit to the work that went into this week’s training from both staff and players.
“Hard to focus on the result of the game when our hearts and minds are with Charlotte Fleming who went down in the final minutes. We are hoping for the best and know she is in great hands with our medical team.”
Charlotte Fleming on the ball and helping to dictate play
And don’t forget London City fans, that the Lionesses are back at Princes Park in just under 2 weeks time, this time taking on Bristol City! Click the link to get your tickets now!
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