.png)
Danielle Carter’s late strike ensured London City Lionesses departed the Dripping Pan with three crucial points in the Continental Tyres League Cup on Wednesday [22 November].
While officially recorded as an own goal, the 30-year-old made the all-important play in Lewes, firing a driven cross into the roof of the net via the knee of Eve Clarkson with five minutes remaining.
Carolina Morace’s squad dictated the tempo of play on their visit to East Sussex, much to the delight of the Italian.
“First of all, we expected the opposition to play that way, so we stuck to our plan. Although we missed some chances, the team was very determined to get the result and the commitment from all of them was very good,” explained the gaffer.
“It’s always good to enter the break in a positive way. When you lose, there is always something you have to say and discuss. Instead, we look into our mistakes as always, but it was a good result and a good performance.
“I’m pleased because we were also affected at the last moment by Grace Neville having a tooth issue, so it was good to win with a clean sheet.”
Morace made two alterations to the side that was defeated by Lewes on Sunday [19 November], replacing Neville and Alexander with Irish duo Ruesha Littlejohn and Niamh Farrelly.
When asked about Farrelly’s performance in a new position, Morace added: “I think that Niamh is a very smart player and she has a very good personality because she wants to win. She knows her style, but she is very smart because she adapts very quickly to the opponent.
“I know that I can play her in many positions, including midfield and centre-back. She is a very good player to have when we have a problem because she can always be part of the solution [like today at full-back].”
The Pride return to the field on Sunday 10 December, with the date held for a yet to be drawn fixture in the Women’s FA Cup.