A new venue, a new town and a new team for Aston Villa Ladies to go up against in the Championship on a nice and sunny(ish) day.
We arrived at The Dripping Pan and made our way to the bar for a drink and was greeted by very welcoming staff and the Lewes FC Women‘s supporters, even though programme was online they had a club shop, hot food, bar and market stall with jewellery. We were also greeted by the Pentacle Drummers with over 15 drums beating out a few tunes. We made our way over to the terrace the opposite of the ground where we were joined by other Villa fans as we started hanging out a few songs for our beloved team. Burgers were needed after a few drinks including meeting with Tim for one before the game, once again the staff were nice as were fans throughout the whole experience with compliments on our support and singing.
Photo: @James Boyes
Jodie Hutton had returned to the team which meant Alison Hall missed out for this game, but the rest of team remained the same as we headed for kicked off. As always Villa Ladies came out the blocks fast and with Hutton’s determination she broke through and hit a shot but didn’t have the power on it as it went straight to the keeper but a great start once again.
Villa were much the dominant team in the early exchanges as they piled the pressure on Lewes with some great work by Sophie Haywood, Alice Hassall and Amy West which lead to the pressure creating a goal, 16 minutes into the game a beautifully lofted corner from West saw the ball come to Jade Richards who rose above everyone heading the ball into the net giving Villa the 0-1 lead we had deserved from the way we had started. Richards collided with the post and for a second we panicked she was injured but she jumped straight back up to celebrate the goal if not holding her back a little, our fearless leader smashing the ball homeward bound.
Photo: @James Boyes
Villa pushed and pushed to double the lead and the ball just didn’t seem to fall as once again in a regular theme Hutton broke through the defence of Lewes leaving her one on one with the keeper but unfortunately dragged her shot wide.
The first half didn’t see Lewes create a lot because every time they got forward the defenders in Villa stopped them in their tracks.
With no changes at half time that hopefully more of the same and nicking the second goal to give Villa some breathing space. That nearly happened straight away in second half as once again Hutton broke through to the edge of the box and hit the ball just wide of the goal. Lewes were awarded a soft free kick for a handball that they nearly made count as Sian Rogers pulled off a fantastic save to keep Villa in front.
Photo: @James Boyes
After dominating so much of the play Lewes started to come into the game and put pressure on the Villa goal. We were made to rue the missed chances in the 72nd minute as a total worldie of a goal was unleashed by Sarah Kempson, Rogers couldn’t get near to it. That brought the game level and that is how it remained at the final whistle.
Photo: @James Boyes
I fell that we could of and should have won but we left with a point and again something to build on only a cracking strike could stop us. It was an enjoyable day with like-minded people. Leaving with a win would have been tops but it’s always a great feeling to see your team play so well. We are building is a credit to everyone the pitch and on the touch line working hard to make us get the results we deserve.
Lewes: Faye Baker, Charley Boswell, Rebecca Thompson-Agbro, Natasha Wells, Georgia Robert, Victoria Carleton, Kate McIntyre, Danielle Lane, Leeta Rutherford, Rebecca Carter, Samantha Quayle
Substitutes: Sarah Kempson, Tanisha Smith, Sophie O’Rourke, Nina Wilson, Amy Taylor, Charlotte Owen, Rosie Paye, Sophie O’Rourke
Aston Villa: Sian Rodgers, Asi Ale, Elisha N’Dow, Jade Richards, Hollie Gibson, Alice Hassall, Nadine Hanssen, Amy West, Jodie Hutton, Kerri Welsh, Sophie Haywood
Substitutes: Ash Brown, Alison Hall, Aja Aguirre, Evie Gane, Ria Wlsmore, Tanisha Smith, Alison Hall, Phobebe Warner
