Despite Emily Brett scoring an equaliser on her league debut, a late penalty condemned Peterborough United Women to a 2-1 defeat at Boldmere Community Stadium on Sunday afternoon in the FA Women’s National League.
The hosts had an early opportunity as Abby Bevan took aim from just outside the box, but sent her efforts wide of the target. However, Posh looked for a quick response after Niamh Connor’s throw-in found the head of Jess Driscoll, but the ball found the hands of goalkeeper Jodie Whiteman. Shortly after, Brett created another chance with a great run into the box, but her shot was sent over the crossbar.
It was Boldmere who broke the deadlock on 18 minutes after a turn in from their number 19, Abby Bevan. The Mikes continued to threaten and picked up a yellow card from Jade Formaston for taking down Driscoll on 25 minutes.
Moments later, after a goalmouth scramble, the Posh went on the counter-attack and after multiple shots, their efforts were cleared by Boldmere’s defender. Katie Middleton continued to look for an equaliser with a shot from just outside the box, but Whiteman denied her the opportunity.
Just before the break, Boldmere’s Alima Abdallah tried to shoot from close range, but Lucie Mugridge cleared the ball from the goal line.
On 50 minutes Driscoll attempted to recreate her goal she scored previously against the Mikes, but her efforts from 30 yards out went narrowly past the post. Soon after, the hosts picked up another yellow card from Hayleigh Sutton after taking out Driscoll-King.
Boldmere continued to push to increase their lead that invited a great double save from Corry as the Mikes efforts came from both the edge of the box and, seconds later, from close range. Shortly after Brett picks up a yellow card for a late challenge on Anna Wilcox.
The Posh searched for a way back into the game after Driscoll’s volley failed to be cleared by Boldmere, leaving BRETT to poke the ball home to equalise on 65 minutes.
The hosts made a change on 72 minutes with Libby Stokes replacing Jasmine Sherrell, followed by Dan Lawlor’s double change as Pim and Tark Kirk replaced Emily Brett and Rosie Axten.
Middleton then picked up another yellow card for Posh with a late challenge. A few minutes later, the Mikes substitute Alima Abdallah for Ella Bryan, alongside a change for Posh as Poppie Brown replaced Sophie Scargill.
As the game entered the closing stages, Boldmere continued to push to find a winner and they did so from the spot, as a challenge from Mugridge in the box was punished, leaving the hosts with a penalty that was netted by Wilcox.
After taking the lead, the hosts made a final substitution as Annie Ackroyd replaced Evie Billingsley.
Posh: Corry, Driscoll-King, Connor, Mugridge, Bennett, Axten (sub Kirk 76min), Lawlor (C), Scargill (sub Brown 87min), Driscoll, Brett (sub Pim 76min), Middleton.
Unused Subs: Lacite.
Written by Lucy Bloxham.
- Photo Credit: Darren Wiles.