Women’s football round-up: Lionesses set new WSL points record – despite deduction
By Richard Cawley
Millwall Lionesses face Coventry United in the SSE Women’s FA Cup on Sunday at St Paul’s Sports Ground (3pm).
The South London club are only off top spot in WSL 2 due to a three-point deduction for a registration issue with one of their long-serving players earlier in the campaign.
Despite that punishment they have already set a new club WSL record for points – 19 – after eight matches. They were 3-2 winners over Durham Ladies last weekend.
Lionesses boss Lee Burch said: “I think 17 was the best before. We only won three games in total last season and two of those were against Watford after I had come along.
“To win seven already is beyond our expectations. If I’d been told we would be at this point already then I’d be in dreamland – and we’ve played top sides in Durham, Doncaster and Brighton.”
Leigh Nicol’s long-range strike put the hosts ahead before half-time and Billie Brooks’ header doubled their advantage early in the second half.
Beth Hepple gave Durham hope with an immediate reply but Ashlee Hincks’ free-kick restored the lead, only for Jordan Atkinson’s solo finish to set up a tense finale.
Crystal Palace Ladies’ title hopes were dealt a blow as they lost 1-0 at C&K Basildon last weekend. They are at home to West Ham United Ladies on Sunday.
The Eagles are five points behind FA WPL Southern Division leaders Charlton Women – who thrashed Swindon Town Ladies 9-0.
Charlotte Gurr (four), Kit Graham, Olivia Lukasewich and Georgia Griffin scored for the Addicks.
AFC Wimbledon also enjoy a five point lead at the top of South-East Division1 after a 2-1 victory over Enfield Town Ladies. Laura Quinn-Low got the Dons’ goals.