Sutton Coldfield 0-1 WCWFC
A breezy and cloudy afternoon as City celebrated the Champions with a guard of honour, before beating the home side, with a thrilling goal.
It was a bright start for the league winners, an early effort grazing the side netting, they were dictating the play early doors. City did grow into the game, working the width well in the ‘three at the back’ formation.
Hine was tested a few times in the opening 15’, but was well positioned with strong hands to deal with the efforts.
Mitcham and Marrett had seen themselves with space to work behind the Royals, but the well-drilled backline stayed strong.
The game died down with neither side having any comfortable possession and fans facing a scrappy few minutes moving close to the half time whistle.
Tally said: “Today was always going to be hard against the league champions, they were organised and we had to match them.
As the rain started to fall, the second 45’ began and again Sutton was in on goal from the start.
City pushed back well and looked dangerous from a corner, which worked well and saw Rogers square ball clipped goalwards but was comfortable for the home-sides keeper.
Just moments later the deadlock was finally broken, City had the lead. Rogers broke away and found some space, curled an effort from outside the area into the far top corner, no chance to stop this one.
Ty said: “It's what she does best, she finds something we don’t expect.
The game came alive after the goal, both teams efforts intensified, leading to some end-to-end stuff.
Hine was tested again, she rushed out her goal well and closed the space saving the shot in the process. Royals tried to find a way back into the game, applying pressure to the City defence, but they stood firm.
City had a couple of half chances late on with Ritson dominating wide since being brought on early in the second half.
Hine was determined to keep a clean sheet, multiple saves towards the end proved vital in getting the result over the line.
Laura said: “She was unreal, sometimes we have a lot of the ball and it takes a really good keeper to stay concentrated, we're confident when she’s behind us.
It was a nervous end for the fans waiting for the whistle, both teams gave their all moving into the last five. City's resilience saw them get their clean sheet and an important 3 points on the road.
Match report written by Keanan Rolph.
Hear what coaches Matt Tally and Ty Patrick and midfielder Laura Davies had to say following the victory:
City are next in action under the lights again as they travel to Aggborough to face Kidderminster Harriers on Wednesday night in a game where both teams will be looking to seal three points in the battle for second place this season.
Please remember if you are traveling to this game, you will need to buy your tickets on the Harriers website before the game as you will not be able to buy tickets at the gate. Link to get your tickets here.
WCWFC's last home game of the season will be played at Sixways Stadium!
WCWFC vs Shrewsbury Town | Sunday 7th May | 2:30pm KO
