.png)
In the final league match ahead of the break, the Lionesses battled Marieanne Spacey-Cale and Southampton to a 1-1 draw to finish up a three-game home stand.
With the point, London City heads into the break at the top of the table as just two points separate first and fourth.
The Lionesses opened on the front foot, firing in crosses from the corner, and challenging the Saints’ backline right from the jump.
In the 9’, Atlanta Primus puts Karin Muya in stride for a chance on the net. Her shot was blocked, and two consecutive rebounds, followed up by Primus, and Lily Agg could not ripple the back of the net for the opening goal.
The opportunities continued to come for London City, and about 20 minutes after the Lionesses failed to convert right in front of the mouth of goal, Primus received a pass from Agg in the final third.
Despite putting the shot on frame, the Saints' goalkeeper stayed firm to make a heroic save, and keep the game knotted at zero.
Both teams entered the dressing room with nothing to separate them, and an entire half to tilt the points in their respective favor.
London City came out of halftime going in search of the first breakthrough of the match following a first half filled with a multitude of chances.
Lucy Fitzergerld presented the Lionesses with the first real opportunity, firing in a looping cross into the box, but Muya’s header could not find the target.
Within seven minutes of each other, Amy Rodgers fired her strike right at the keeper, and on the other end, Southampton launched a shot just wide of the right corner.
In the 72’, almost immediately after coming on, Sarah Ewens redirected Shanade Hopcroft’s cross into the back of the net to put London City up by a goal with less than 20 minutes of regular time remaining.
After the Lionesses took the lead, they continued to control the run of play, attempting to put the match out of reach with their second of the afternoon.
The Saints' peristance to find an equalizing goal in the final minutes paid off. Southampton was rewarded with a penalty in the 88’ minute through a foul by Shae Yanez.
Paige Peake stepped up to the spot, and found her way past Yanez to equalize the contest at one apiece.
A chaotic eight minutes of stoppage time ensued, but in the end, the points were shared, and the top of the Championship table continues to become more and more condensed.
The Lionesses now have to shift their focus to the FA Cup next weekend with a matchup against National League side, Portsmouth in the third round at Princes Park.
Head Coach, Melissa Phillips
"A disappointing ending to what was a really good performance throughout.
"We need to be far more clinical with our chances but credit to Southampton’s grittiness as they cleared a few off the line.
"Thought we executed brilliantly to creat chances and really opened out their press. A point on the board and again so much to take from the game."
Comments