Millwall Lionesses see their 19-game unbeaten run ended by 2-1 defeat at Durham
Millwall Lionesses suffered their first FA Women’s Super League 2 defeat of the season as Emily Roberts’ first-half rocket saw Durham take all three points.
The home side grabbed the early initiative when Zoe Ness struck in the sixth minute on her 50th Durham appearance but second-placed Millwall levelled 13 minutes later through Ellie Mason.
Durham retook the lead two minutes before the break via Roberts who rifled in an unstoppable effort which would eventually turn out to be the winner and bring an end to Millwall’s 19-game unbeaten league run.
KEY MOMENTS
Millwall will rue the goals they conceded as first Ness latched on to a poor Billie Brooks header to strike from close in, before Roberts was afforded far too much space to score just before half-time.
The London-based side were looking sharp going forward and had plenty of chances, the best of them being the goal on 18 minutes – Megan Alexander’s ball to the edge of the area was struck sweetly on the volley by Mason for her third goal of the season – and Rianna Dean’s flicked effort hit the bar on 31 minutes.
In a much quieter second period, there was little in the way of goalmouth action, with Beth Hepple’s 63rd minute drive straight at Millwall custodian Sarah Quantrill the only real chance of note until Millwall substitute Ashlee Hincks’ missed a great opportunity on 65 minutes, her lob over the keeper sailing over the top.
An even more obvious chance came the way of Durham’s Abi Cottam, but her shot from point blank range was somehow kept out by Quantrill on 77 minutes as Durham earned three points.
GOAL OF THE MATCH
Roberts’ goal was an effort worthy winning of any match. She may have been left with plenty of space by the Millwall defence but she still had to apply the finish – and that she did in style.
Bringing the ball down on her thigh in the area, she then looked up and hooked a shot into the far corner.
MOMENT OF THE MATCH
Trailing by a goal and with their unbeaten run in danger, Millwall had a great chance to level on 65 minutes when Hincks sprung the offside trap.
But with the ball bouncing up slightly, she could only narrowly fire over the bar and the opportunity was gone.
Durham then finished the game the stronger with Millwall indebted to saves by keeper Quantrill.
WHAT THEY SAID:
Zoe Ness, Durham striker and scorer of opening goal on 50th Durham appearance, said: “We always know it is a competitive game with Millwall and they have not gone unbeaten for no reason.
“Overall, as a squad we have managed the game really well and that is what the three points are for; that is the reward.
“When the game is going back and forth like it did, one team needs to take control of things otherwise it just becomes a frantic game and that is where we have shown maturity so credit to our girls.
“It was a good day all round for me, but the three points has been the biggest thing. The pleasing thing is the team performance and that is what makes me most happy.”
Millwall striker Ashlee Hincks said: “We had some chances, they had some chances so maybe overall a draw would have been a fair result.
“But full credit to Durham, they played well and took their chances. We look at ourselves and you see the space the girls had in our area (for the goals); they should never have that.
“You can’t give Durham time like that in the box, they’re very good players. We’re going to have to take it on the chin. It’s one of those things, we’ve been unbeaten for a long time. It’s a huge result for them.
“When I first joined Millwall, it was a team that was getting beat every single week. It’s not as if we are not used to losing. We haven’t in so long. It’s a feeling that none of us want and we’re definitely going to go out and make sure that doesn’t happen next week.”
WHAT’S NEXT:
Durham travel to Tottenham Hotspur next Sunday while Millwall also face an away trip, albeit a shorter journey to play Watford.
Durham striker Zoe Ness said: “We have not played them since the start of the season so it has been a long time.
“They will have strengthened; I’m sure they might say the same about us so it is another experience and another game to play and hopefully we can pick up three points.
“On the season overall we have been a bit unfortunate in a couple of the games. We have competed well in the cup competitions.
“The league has been a little disappointing but you have to take into consideration the games we have played overall this season. Towards the end of these final games, it’s about picking up as many points as we can and regrouping for next season.”
Millwall striker Ashlee Hincks said: “It was going to be extremely difficult to go all season unbeaten. We’ve got to take it on the chin and bounce back against Watford next week.
“We’re still sat second in the league and we’re still above Durham in the league regardless of the result.
“It’s still in our hands to go and finish second. We’re hoping Donny might slip up but we’re still pushing to go to the top of the league.
“In this league, everything is possible. Given the results and the score-lines that you’re seeing against them, people would stick us as favourites against Watford but that isn’t the case. We need to tackle it as if it is any other game.”
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Photo by Brian Tonks