Leicester City 1, London City Lionesses 0.

London City Lionesses defeated away from home in their final fixture of 2025 in the East Midlands 

Sunday 14^th December | King Power Stadium, Leicester 

London City Lionesses suffered a narrow defeat in their Barclays Women’s Super League fixture against Leicester City at a chilly King Power Stadium. 

Shannon O’Brien’s goal just under an hour into the contest was the difference between the two sides.

While the visitors were dominant in possession, looked solid defensively and created several chances including a late penalty from captain Kosovare Asllani which was saved, the home side were always a threat on the counter-attack which made for a competitive tussle. 

The opening period was cagey with both teams trying to carve an opening. 

London City settled and tried to play on the front foot to find a way through but were thwarted by the Foxes’ backline. 

The home side fashioned the first chance of note though, a difficult header from Asmita Ale which didn't hit the target.

Visiting custodian Elene Lete was then called into action as the impressive Hannah Cain latched onto a dinked ball over the top, the Spanish goalkeeper saving well to put the ball out for a corner, the resultant set-piece was cleared.

At the other end, London City won a free-kick which was crossed into the box, headed on by Wassa Sangaré to Nikita Parris, whose shot was well held by Janina Leitzig.

Meanwhile, Emily van Egmond’s speculative effort from 35 yards did not trouble Lete. 

As the first period drew to a close, the game became stretched. Isobel Goodwin’s attempt was well saved after the forward, who signed a contract extension at the club this week, intercepted and pounced on a loose pass.

At the other end, a narrow shot from Olivia McLoughlin was well blocked by Italian international Elena Linari.  

Prêcheur's side finished the first period on top and almost took the lead, Goodwin inches away from connecting with Jana Fernández’s fizzing cross across goal. 

The visitors came out strongly at the start of the second period and after a spell of patient build-up play, Fernández’s dangerous shot from distance edged just over the crossbar. 

Just shy of the hour mark, the home side took the lead through O'Brien in unorthodox circumstances. Some good build-up play from Leicester ended with the ball heading towards the Foxes forward, who got the ball caught between her feet but managed to hold off challenges and round the goalkeeper.

The visitors responded brightly and could have levelled soon after, Goodwin, once again in the thick of the action - her strike hitting the post following a strong run and ball in from the right by Freya Godfrey. 

London City continued to threaten, Parris slipped the ball into Goodwin whose effort was saved.

During eight minutes of additional time, Prêcheur’s side searched for a leveller and were awarded a penalty after Janice Cayman fouled Grace Geyoro in the 96th minute, Asllani stepped up but was denied by Leitzig. The home side held on for victory. 

While disappointed with the result, head coach Prêcheur was pleased with the overall performance and efforts of his team. 

“We played well and produced a good performance,” said Prêcheur.

“We controlled the game but this is football. You have to score when you have clear chances and we know this is an area we need to improve. 

“There are a lot of positives to take from the game. My players never gave up. They kept working and looked better defensively. 

“Unfortunately, we didn’t have the fruits of this good performance. Even at the end I thought we could have had at least a draw but it wasn’t to be.”

Prêcheur also reflected on the club’s first four months in the top-flight, acknowledging they have shown they can compete, and emphasised the determination to continue to improve during the second half of the campaign.

“This is the WSL, it’s high level and we know the detail required. We still need to improve,” added Prêcheur.

"I feel sad for the players, they have worked very hard since the beginning of the season. We hoped we’d finish 2025 with a positive result. I’m pleased with the performance if not the result.

“We have shown we deserve to be in this league. We can compete and we have shown this. During the first few months we have seen it is very competitive, you can never relax, you must keep working hard, focus on every detail as that can make the difference in the end about the result. 

“We are still learning in parts of the game. I believe in the potential of this squad. We will now have a rest and come back stronger in January.”

This weekend’s results leave London City Lionesses in sixth place in the Barclays Women’s Super League on 15 points.

Following the Christmas break, we head to Liverpool on Sunday 11^th January before returning home to the CopperJax Community Stadium, Bromley on Sunday 25^th January to host Manchester City  in the Barclays Women’s Super League.

Teamsheet: Lete, Fernández, Kumagai (Zelem 82'), Asllani, Linari (Kardinaal 62'), Godfrey (Roddar 82'), Parris, Goodwin, Imuran (Corrales 62') , Sangaré, Geyoro