By Jeff Burnige at St Paul’s
It was a disappointing afternoon for Millwall Lionesses last Sunday in Rotherhithe, as they took an early lead but eventually went down 2-1 to Saltdean United in the LSERWFL Premier Division.
This game was very frustrating and an anti-climax after the Lionesses’ performance the previous weekend at Wimbledon in the prestigious Capital Women’s Cup.
This match did not stir the blood of the crowd.
Joint-managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland were without the injured Shannan Drewe, and regulars Chloe Burr and Maizi Garwood had been unable to train.
Shay Bennett had a starting berth after a string of substitute appearances and new signing Chloe Francis worked hard up front. She set up Madison Grandys for the opener when she headed on Melissa Jones’ long throw-in.
This led to a good spell of attacking by the Lionesses, but two mistakes from their own possession allowed the visitors to move ahead after 22 and 23 minutes.
First, Khyrie McKenzie’s powerful shot just about beat goalkeeper Chrissie Wiggins, and then Molly Hill ran on to a through-ball and finished well for the lead.
Liv McGregor and Ella Bailey were introduced at half-time, but no equaliser was forthcoming, and then later Maisie Joyce and Sharna Giordani came on to add some attacking purpose.
It nearly earned Millwall at least a point, when first McGregor looked to have won a penalty, and then Giordani was scythed down in the box. Neither time did the referee decide on a spot-kick.
It should not have mattered because in the last minute Ciara Watling and Grandys both missed from very close range.
So the Lionesses went down to a disappointing defeat. They are seventh in the table and will next travel on Sunday to the Queen Elizabeth II Stadium to meet second-last Enfield Town. Kick-off is 2pm.