Millwall Lionesses still searching for first Championship win as Leicester produce second-half fightback
BY KEALAN HUGHES
Millwall Lionesses’ winless run stretched to four games as Leicester City staged a stunning second-half comeback.
Beth Lumsden opened the scoring in the 20th minute with a free-kick which struck the inside of the post on its way into the back of the net.
The hosts went into half-time leading 1-0, despite several scoring chances falling to Leicester.
But Foxes winger Rosie Axten netted from the penalty spot in the 61st minute to give her side a well-deserved equaliser after team-mate Freya Ayisi was brought down in the box.
And Axten stepped up once again for the visitors, driving in a free-kick off the crossbar in the 77th minute to complete the comeback.
The victors spurned numerous chances in an exciting first half and Sophie Domingo and Mel Johnson both went close to an opening goal.
But it was a moment of quality from Lumsden which broke the deadlock. Her 20-yard free-kick went in off the post on its way into the net following a handball from Leicester’s Natalie Johnson.
Domingo would have restored parity but for a brilliant save from Chloe Sansom.
Leicester found their shooting boots in the second half. Although they didn’t create as many attacking opportunities, Axten was able to take advantage to claim all three points for her side.
The result means the Lionesses are still without a win this season.
Millwall manager Chris Phillips said: “It’s not disappointing how we conceded – the result is disappointing. It’s frustrating because this week’s probably been the best week the girls have trained.
“I’ve got to give them credit for that. But four or five of us have come down with the flu on Friday, myself included. We’ve had to draft in some development players to fill the bench.
“We’ve started the last couple of games well, Beth’s goal was fantastic and deserved
‘We just need to score more goals, we will work on that and prepare for Spurs next week.”
Photos by Keith Gillard