London City 0-0 Blackburn Rovers: Points are split at Princes Park

For the first time in the month of October, the Lionesses returned to Princes Park, drawing Blackburn Rovers 0-0 to extend their clean-sheet streak in the league to five matches.

With another point under its belt, London City maintains its position in second in the table, behind the leaders, Bristol City by just five points.

It was a hard-fought match with London City starting on the front foot behind chances from Haley Nolan and Atlanta Primus who had her shot saved by the keeper from close range.

Player of the Match, Shanade Hopcroft used her vision and creativity to seek a way through the Blackburn defense from the middle of the pitch.

Jamie Lee-Napier combined well along the right flank at the end of the first half, but Blackburn was able to keep London City off the scoresheet through 45 minutes.

Just three minutes into the second half, the Lionesses struck the post on a chance created from a set-piece before the Blackburn defenders cleared it away.

With quality chances few and far between, and the opposing goalkeeper saving Blackburn on a plethora of chances, Lois Joel and Karin Muya were brought on to ignite this London City attack as it continued to search for the opening goal of the match.

Joel made an instant impact on the right flank, firing in a forceful cross toward the penalty spot, but the opposing keeper was up to the task.

With just eight minutes left in regulation, the Lionesses had one of their most promising opportunities, having three of their shots headed toward the goal blocked by the opposition’s defense.

Just a few minutes later, Joel’s right-footed effort ended up flying just over the bar.

London City pushed to the final minutes, seeking a winner to snatch all three points, but Blackburn’s defense and goalkeeper held strong, and the contest ultimately ended in a scoreless draw.

The Lionesses are just the second team all season in the league to shut out Blackburn, becoming the first side to do so since the end of August.

Head Coach, Melissa Phillips

"We made some adjustments today that I thought the team executed brilliantly and we asked a lot more questions in front of goal, especially in the second half.

"It certainly wasn’t for a lack of effort, but we couldn’t find the back of the net with our chances and have to be more clinical with our final ball. Credit to Blackburn’s goalkeeper as Salgado came away with a number of quality saves.

"Happy to keep a team who has been potent in scoring very much at bay and another well-earned clean sheet."