Jess Driscoll’s late goal gave Peterborough United a memorable away victory against title hopefuls Long Eaton United.
A thunderous strike from Driscoll in the final 10 minutes at Grange Park saw Peterborough United secure an important three points over second-place Long Eaton United Ladies in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands.
The game looked to be heading to a stalemate with both sides defending credibly for 80 minutes, but the deadlock was broken on the 83rd minute when Driscoll fired past the keeper on the half volley.
It was an even exchange in the first-half, with either side failing to create many chances. Long Eaton United saw a shot fly well over the bar before Amy Butler produced a great low save to stop Moriah McIntosh close-range effort.
Hannah Hipwell registered Posh first attempt of the afternoon on 25 minutes when her dipping free-kick forced the hosts’ goalkeeper to tip it over the bar, and from the resulting corner, Keir Perkins saw her effort on the half volley go wide of the post.
Recent arrival Evie Driscoll-King made an outstanding last-ditch tackle to prevent Long Eaton United having a clear one-on-one, as both sides headed into the break level. Katie Steward and Hipwell were both cautioned in the opening 10 minutes of the second half.
Katie Lowder, who signed for The Posh earlier in the week, was introduced on 57 minutes as she replaced midfielder Faith Horner. Chances were far and thin for both sides in the second half, as Jess Driscoll tried to produce a moment of magic with some lovely footwork but her pull-back to Perkins was intercepted.
Steward and Kayleigh Aylmer were replaced by Megan Parrett and Beatriz Borque on 70 minutes as Posh searched for the breakthrough. However, it was the hosts who had the ball in the back of the net, but the celebrations were cut short after the linesman adjudged the scorer to be in an offside position.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the final 10 minutes of the game, as Lowder’s corner caused a moment of panic, the ball recoheres into the path of Driscoll inside the box and she thundered home on the half-volley.
Posh comfortably held on to record a notable away win over title hopefuls Long Eaton United away from home, pushing them to seventh in the FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands and three points from the relegation zone.
Dan Lawlor’s side are back at home next Sunday (3 pm) as they welcome strugglers Bedworth United to the Idverde training ground in a FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands fixture.
Photo: Joe Dent
