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London City Lionesses were thrilled to welcome young journalist Zak to Princes Park on Sunday [12 March].
Zak, who has a keen interest in sports media, enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour before our match against Lewes and wrote the following report:
Match Report: London City Lionesses 3-1 Lewes F.C.
London City Lionesses got back to winning ways with first half goals from Sarah Ewens, Shanade Hopcroft and Kyra Carusa to secure victory against Lewes.
Needing to bounce back, the Lionesses opened the scoring in the 6th minute after Lewes goalkeeper Sophie Whitehouse played out from the back to Kirsty Butrton, with London's Carasu intercepting well and cleverly passing the ball to danger women Ewens who smashed it into the top corner for the first goal.
The dominant Lionesses kept attacking and had their prize in the 17th minute, when Hopcroft scored directly from a corner, a dazzling, curling ball, over all heads, just under the crossbar, into the Lewes net.
The Lionesses kept prowling and pressing through Irish international Carusa, conducting the field, ripping up the Lewes defence. London City 'keeper Shae Yanez had her first action of the afternoon when Ellie Mason tested her out, but the American caught with ease.
London City’s opportunities continued, ultimately resulting in a goal through talismanic Irish international striker Carasa, who smashed it past Whitehouse, scoring her first Lionesses' goal since joining from HB Koge in January, curling the ball into the left side of the goal for the lioness's third goal.
Playing like champions, the Lionesses strutted, however it was Lewes who started the second half with a tantalizing effort from Mason, shooting just wide of Yanez's net.
Scott Booth’s side needed a response and had one, dominating the presence in the Lionesses' half.
A spell already dominated by Lewes was made worse by Lily Agg's red card. With London City down to ten players, chances for Lewes kept coming until a deserved goal was scored by Mason after a cross from substitute Grace Palmer.
Shanade Hopcroft's wondergoal will not be forgotten; nor will Shae Yanez’s vital saves that kept the Lionesses in it. A blitz first half and grit from the Lionesses secured all points as they look toward league leaders and promotion rivals Bristol City in a vital game at Princess Park next Sunday.
Analysis:
Kyra Carusa and Sarah Ewens spark a partnership
Shae Yanez had four fantastic saves to make as Lewes dominated second half, including a vital diving effort.
A standout performance also came from fledgling duo, the in-form Sarah Ewens and new recruit Kyra Carasa, who naturally complemented each other upfront, during attacks and passes, something positive for the Lionesses to develop.
Carasa provided natural leadership on the pitch, with her performance showing skill, complementing Ewens.
Lewes show hope through attacking mindset
A change was needed for the second half for Lewes and manager, former Scotland international, Scott Booth knew it. Lewes played more freely and utilised the counterattack better in the second half, using two midfielders to slot into an attacking possession. This resulted in four second half corners and dominating the play.
The change was evident through goal scorer Ellie Masons tenacity and work rate, using the midfield to create through balls on goal, however great defending from London City prevented this from changing the final result