
The points were shared at The Dripping pan this afternoon, as the Lionesses were held to a 0-0 draw against Lewes.
Heading into the match, the big talking point was the return of Carly Girasoli to the starting 11, her first of the season.
From the whistle, it was clear she, and the rest of the backline, were going to be for a really physical contest.
Going forward, City’s forwards were always going to be in for a competitive afternoon, yet in the opening minutes, Jamie-Lee Napier and Karin Muya were already causing problems for the Lewes defence.
At the other end, Shae Yanez was kept busy between the sticks, rising to come and collect several dangerous balls into the box.
The first half was one where the midfield battle proved crucial, with Amy Rodgers winning the ball high up and playing in Atlanta Primus, who the Rooks struggled to contain.
The best effort of the half came from Lois Joel, who’s outside the box shot was struck well, but the keeper was able to get a hand to it.
Indeed the second half began in much the same vein, with Joel having another shot fired towards goal, but this time it was just over.
Primus also continued to be a threat, with her shot rattling off the crossbar, reminding the home side of just how dangerous she is.
At the other end, Yanez again was kept busy, commanding the box to ensure the Lewes set plays caused no problems.
With an hour gone, Shanade Hopcroft and Sarah Ewens were brought on to continue to pile pressure on the Lewes defence.
Just a few minutes later another opportunity to take the fell to the Lionesses, with Napier making another determined run down the line and getting her shot away, yet once again Sophie Whitehouse between the sticks was able to save it.
The rest of the half continued to be just as competitive as the first, with chances few are far between for both sides.
Yet there proved to be late drama for the Lionesses, with Lily Agg dismissed following her second yellow card.
The final few minutes proved to be a real test of the backline’s nerve, with Player of the Match, Harley Bennett marshalling the team into shape to ensure City went home with a point.
Head Coach, Melissa Phillips
“The dripping pan is a difficult place to come play and we knew Lewes would be a scrappy transitional game. It’s disappointing that the game was dictated by the physical battle.
“Great to come away with a clean sheet on the road but we will certainly need to ask more questions in the final 1/3 moving forward.”