Opening day blues for Lincoln.

With the atmosphere surrounding the F.A Women’s Super League ever-growing in recent weeks, the Lady Imps kicked off their campaign against local rivals Doncaster Rovers Belles.

Almost 750 people turned out to watch what was sure to be a landmark day in the history of both clubs, as the hosts fell to a 1-0 defeat.

Rod Wilson named a strong squad in a 4-3-3 formation which saw Carla Cantrell supported up front by England wingers, Sue Smith and Jess Clarke.

It was the away team who got proceedings underway and attacked from the first minute. However, Lincoln soon had their own chances with Smith and Clarke both showing their considerable quality with a number of swift attacks.

Neither team could find their way through though, with both Kay Hawke in the Lincoln goal and Helen Alderson both making saves in the opening stages.

The Lady Imps’ first real chance came as Lucy Staniforth put Clarke through on goal on 20 minutes. Alderson was able to make the block though, allowing the Belles to spring an attack of their own.

Just before the half-an-hour mark, a Kylla Sjoman cross found it’s way through the Lincoln backline and looked destined for the back of the net, before England international Casey Stoney headed off the line.

Both teams continued to trade blows for the remainder of the half as Cantrell tried an audacious lob from 25-yards out which dropped just over bar.

Right on the stroke of half time, the fans at Sincil Bank finally saw a goal, although it came at the wrong end for the majority of those in the ground.

Precious Hamilton, who had been causing the Lincoln a fair amount of trouble all half, was able to drill a low cross for Vicky Exley to drive past Hawke between the posts.

With his team trailing at the break, Wilson made two changes with Remi Allen going off for Sophie Walton and Rachel Daly being substituted for Melissa Sutcliffe. Despite the fresh legs, the home side were unable to find the crucial equalising goal. Sue Smith did go close though, with a 30-yard strike that struck the right post of Alderson’s goal.

So 1-0 was the final score leaving Rod Wilson and the Lincoln Ladies disappointed.

Source: http://www.lincolnladiesfc.com