Heavy defeat for Birmingham City Ladies at new league leaders Chelsea - The Solihull Observer

Heavy defeat for Birmingham City Ladies at new league leaders Chelsea

Solihull Editorial 10th Aug, 2015 Updated: 21st Oct, 2016   0

THE SEARCH for a first win on the road in the Women’s Super League continues for Birmingham City Ladies after they found themselves on the receiving end of a 4-0 defeat at title contenders Chelsea.

David Parker’s side found themselves 2-0 down at the break but had a player advantage after Chelsea winger Gemma Davison was sent off for two bookable offences.

But that failed to stop Chelsea continuing to dominate the match and two further goals after the break, including one from England star and debutant Fran Kirby, handed the hosts all three points in what was a hugely disappointing showing from the Blues.

The hosts made a bright start and went close through full back Hannah Blundell who hit a long range shot inches over the bar.




While at the other end Jo Potter tested Hedvig Lindahl with a near post volley that was well held by the Chelsea goalkeeper on seven minutes.

Eniola Aluko was a constant threat for Chelsea and she broke free down the left on 13 minutes before delivering a low cross which evaded everyone but fell to Davison who sent her shot wide of goal.


On 20 minutes Aluko again broke free of her marker after getting past Meaghan Sargeant before firing at goal but her shot tok a slight deflection off Jess Carter and dropped inches wide of goal.

Another big chance came and went for Chelsea on 26 minutes when Aluko picked out Davison in the box but the winger was at full stretch and sent her effort well over the bar from four yards out.

Potter then had Birmingham’s best chance of the match on the half hour mark.

Kirsty Linnett layed the ball off for the England star who then unleashed an audacious long range shot which whistled agonizingly wide of goal.

The breakthrough finally came on 34 minutes when Aluko reacted quickest after Jess Carter beat away Hannah Blundell’s and the England ace poked home the rebound from close range.

A potential turning point in the match came two minutes before the break when Davison was shown a second yellow card for an apparent dive in the box which left Chelsea one player short.

But that did not stop the hosts scoring a second before the break as centre back Gilly Flaherty stabbed home a Ji So-Yun corner from the right.

Freda Ayisi was introduced at the break as Blues searched for a way back into the match, but their task was made all the more harder three minutes into the second half.

Aoife Mannion was judged to have handled the ball inside the area and despite guessing the right way, Spencer was unable to stop Aluko bagging her second of the match.

Despite having a one player advantage, Blues struggled to create any clear cut chances and it was Chelsea who looked the more likely to score.

Mannion had to produce a brave tackle to thwart Millie Bright on the hour mark before a fourth goal came 17 minutes from time.

Blues squandered possession in the middle of the park and So-Yun was able to set up Kirby who confidently fired home past Spencer to complete the scoring.

Attendance: 851

Team: R.Spencer, M.Sargeant (Ayisi 45), J.Carter (Wellings 49), A.Mannion, K.Harrop, R.Allen, K.Linnett, K.Carney, J.Potter, M.Lawley, A.Windell

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