Above: Millwall’s Shay Bennett in action. Photo: Tom West Photography.
by Myles Thornton at St. Paul’s Sports Ground for Impetus (26/02/24)
Saltdean United beat Millwall Lionesses 2-1 in the London & South East Regional Women’s League on Sunday.
Co-Managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland made two changes to the side that were narrowly defeated by FA Women’s National League side AFC Wimbledon in the County Cup.
Shannan Drewe and Maizi Garwood dropped out and Shay Bennett and Chloe Francis came in, the latter making her Millwall debut following signing from league rivals Sutton United.
Millwall Lionesses started the game well with some great football being played, and on 16 minutes, the home side took the lead. Chloe Francis played through a throw-in by Melissa Jones, onto Madison Grandys who found the back of the net.
The Lionesses’ tempo dropped and a very quick three minutes turned the game right on its head. On 23 minutes, Saltdean captain Georgia Bridges found Khyri McKenzie in space who shot beyond Chrissie Wiggins.
Then, Paula Howells played the ball to Saltdean’s second top goalscorer Molly Hill who scored her 11th goal of the season and gave Saltdean a lead going into the final 20 minutes of the first half.
Despite a double change at half time, Millwall just couldn’t get anything back from the game and Saltdean playing well to defend their lead but were unable to extend it. The game eventually ended as a 2-1 Saltdean United win and they moved from sixth to fifth place in the London & South East Regional League table.
Millwall Lionesses next face Enfield away from home next Sunday, and Saltdean United face Callum Best’s Dorking Wanderers in the league.
Millwall Lionesses: Wiggins, Jones, Huseyin, Seely (C), Chapman, Payne, Napper, Bennett, Francis, Watling, Grandys. Subs: Joyce, Bailey, Giordani, McGregor, Butler.
Saltdean United: Niamh Andersson, Charley Boswell, Georgia Bridges, Megan Gates, Molly Hill, Sienna Howell, Paula Howells, Charlotte Lewington, Khyri McKenzie, Leah Morris, Katie Steer. Subs: Lucy Jellett, Hannah Sturdy, Amy White
Referee: Martin Quinn
Attendance: 30
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