Two spectacular long shots from Evie led Birmingham to victory against Leeds Beckett on a cold night under floodlights on the Bournbrook pitches.
A strong performance from the Women’s 1st ensured that the team came away with all 3 points in a game that Birmingham deservedly won.
It was an action packed start to the match as Birmingham’s number 10, Evie, caught the ball sweetly with her left foot just outside the area to curl a looping shot over the Leeds’ keeper’s head and into the top right corner, to open the scoring just 2 minutes in.
A mere 2 minutes later, Evie again produced a world class finish, doubling Birmingham’s lead. Unchallenged on the edge of the box, she struck the ball powerfully to bury it in the bottom corner of the net.
After this flurry of goals at the start of the game, Leeds were able to compose themselves and regain their heads, keeping possession and matching the Lions for quality of passing and dribbling in midfield. However, neither side were able to perform in the final third, the crucial pass evading strikers on both teams. Birmingham went into half-time with their comfortable 2-0 lead.
Birmingham came out strong in the second half, looking to further increase their lead. Some excellent play from the women in midfield freed the Lions’ number 9 to attack the Leeds goal on several occasions. One very unlucky effort beat the Leeds keeper, only to be deflected off the post, denying Birmingham that third goal.
Birmingham’s marginal dominance and solid defence left Leeds struggling to create any notable chances, hitting the target just twice in the whole game, both easy saves for the keeper. Frustrated by the Lions’ resolute defending, Leeds’ players became more aggressive as the game progressed, with the referee having to defuse a few situations when Leeds left a foot in on a challenge.
Another chance to kill the game saw Birmingham’s striker control the ball in the box after a bullet cross before firing just wide of net. It mattered little, though, as Birmingham controlled the game to see out their 2-0 win.
It was a great overall performance from the Lions, who managed to maintain their unbeaten home streak, which stretches back to November last year. The player of the match was undoubtedly number 10 Evie, whose spectacular early brace put Birmingham firmly in control from the start of the game. The technique and precision displayed by the two goals she scored shows just how talented she is.
With two home wins and two away defeats so far this season, the Lions will be hoping to improve their away form when they take on the University of Sterling next week. Best of luck girls from all here at Burn FM!
