By Jeff Burnige
Millwall Lionesses stayed in second place in the London & South East Regional Women’s Football League table, after an exciting 5-1 victory over Sutton United made it three wins on the spin.
The Lionesses showed they are improving week by week as their blend of experienced new recruits and the cream of the academy is beginning to show positive results.
Millwall were 4-0 ahead by half-time after a brilliant first 45 minutes. Manager Jack Wheeler introduced yet another youngster in wide left player Angel Reid, and it was she on 23 minutes who created the opener for fellow seventeen-year old Kaydence Kabadaki. The centre-forward in turn laid on the second for wide right attacker Otesha Charles.
The Lionesses were playing some great stuff in the final third, and added two more goals before the break. Charles, a Guyana international, scored her second of the match on 39 minutes. Wheeler was keen to use his full squad and made a couple of substitutions, and one of them, Mollie Hawkins, sprinted down the right and crossed superbly for legendary striker Gemma Bryan to head home. This was Bryan’s first competitive goal since her return following nearly three years out after a serious injury, and her team-mates celebrated in style.
The second half was a much scrappier affair after more substitutions and Sutton were showing a battling attitude, which led to them scoring to make it 4-1 on 75 minutes. The lead was fully restored minutes later when young debutant Reid scored a brilliant fifth for the Lionesses. This goal was celebrated wildly by the delighted crowd, joined by the entire team and staff.
This Sunday, the Lionesses visit local rivals Dulwich Hamlet at their Champion Hill stadium for a massive local derby, which should see a very large attendance. They drew 1-1 with New London on Sunday, and have a highly regarded set-up in the women’s game. Kick-off is 2 pm.