Match Report - MILLWALL LIONESSES - 23 Mar 2024

Wimborne Hit By Wall!

Another long trip to the capital to take on Millwall, a team that the girls probably should have beaten on their last visit but were edged out on pens in the cup.

A travelling squad of 13, no Rhianna, Jess, Meg or Brooke for this one.

The long journey seemed to have a detrimental effect, a sluggish start that invited early pressure from the home team. 13 minutes in and the hosts got the early goal their dominance deserved, a missed tackle giving an easy finish (1-0). 2 mins later, a second wake up call, a lazy leg giving a spot kick that was duly dispatched (2-0). This time the team did stir and began to play their way into the match but a sustained 15 minutes of pressure was not enough to get the goal the team badly needed. The hosts weathered the storm and claimed a third goal before the break, Esme saving well but again the home side were first to the loose ball (3-0).

HT 3-0

With the result in no doubt the half time chat was one of ‘put that aside’ and let’s make a bit of a showing. 2 mins into the second period and another goal ?????, a scrambled effort from a corner

(4-0). Although, obviously not at it, the girls dug in again and were rewarded with a quick reply in probably the goal of the game, a well crafted effort that saw Emilie find the corner of the goal from Liv’s assist (4-1). That was as good as it got for these girls today, with 20 mins remaining a goal bound shot struck Charlotte’s arm and although not deliberate, the penalty was rightly awarded and struck wide of Esme in goal (5-1). The referee adjudged this worthy of a straight red card for a very frustrated Charlotte! Needless to say the coaching staff didn’t totally agree but a ‘quiet word’ from Dave did nothing to change the officials mind. A final goal on the stroke of full time just about summed up a miserable game for the travellers (6-1) although a return match at home in a few weeks time will give the girls a chance to address the balance.

FT

Millwall 6

WTFC 1

POM: Lila (never say die effort)

Summary:

A tough 90 mins for the girls, started poorly and paid the price, refereeing decisions were not to blame. Badly needed a goal when on top in the first period but it wasn’t to be and a very committed Millwall team deservedly won the match at a canter. Sometimes these performances inexplicably happen , a few players slightly off, second to the ball and a lack of control being the main downfalls, but not for a lack of trying. Time to dust down and come out fighting in a few weeks time!

Hope all had safe journeys home!