Rotherham United Ladies F.C played Manchester City Ladies in a must win game to get some points on the board.
City started well with Rotherham conceeding too many free kicks around the box. Fortunatley City put the ball wide so no damage done. In the 9th minute Kerry Longstone picked up the ball and ran down the right wing beating the City defence. A cross into Suzanne Davis saw the City full back panic and she put the ball into her own net. 1 – 0 Rotherham.
City upped their game and the two wingers were very quick and caused Rotherham problems with crossess into the box, Needham and Booth clearing for Rotherham. In the 28th minute Helen Lynskey got the ball in the Rotherham midfield and ran at the City. As City backed off winger Kate Hanson beat the offside trap as Lynskey hoisted a perfect ball for her to run on to, Hanson was about to shoot when a last ditched tackle from the City defender prevented the Millers from making it 2.
Just as Rotherham appeared to be in charge City broke from defence, down the wing and the cross into the box was so good it went straight into the Rotherham net. 1 – 1.
City were elated and for the next ten minutes pushed Rotherham back. Resolute defending kept the scores level at half time. After the break the Millers girls dug in deeper and in the 52nd minute Davis collected the ball on the left wing. Beating 3 City players she drove the ball across the front of the City net, Kerry Longstone out jumping the defender to put Rotherham back in front with a superb headed goal.
Davis and Longstone had further chances both narrowly missing the goal. Rotherham kept the pressure on City. In the 75th minute Longstone handled the ball at the edge of the box. Rotherham were relieved to see the resulting free kick sail over the bar.
In the 82nd minute Lynskey received the ball in midfield and carefully slotted the ball through the defence into the path of striker Davis. Having got past the defender she only had the keeper to beat. City threw there hands up in the air in disbelief as the City keeper came of her line and Davis tucked the ball into the bottom right off the net. The Rotherham fans went wild as with not much time left on the clock it looked like the Millers would get 3 points.
Que a City goal!.. In the 90 th minute the winger beat the defence and drove the ball across the box the incoming striker tapping it in. The referee signalled 5 minutes of added time and the City threw everything at Rotherham. Rotherham had to hang on, Davis and Longstone trying to keep the ball in the corners and retain possession. Final whistle went and Rotherham had well deserved there win.
Rotherhams next two games are crucial to put more points on the board. Next Sunday 4th November 2007 the Ladies are at home to Crewe, Roundwood, 2pm Kick off.
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