Bright Start for Blues in the Conti Cup

 

Photo by Laura Burton

It was Continental League Cup action for The Blues this weekend against WSL side Brighton. There was one change for The Blues, following last weekend's win against Coventry, with Lucy Quinn coming in to replace Charlie Devlin. Kick-off was delayed by half an hour, but it was more than worth the wait for Bluenoses! 

Blues started the game well, closing Brighton down all over the pitch and playing the ball forward at every opportunity. It didn't take long for Blues to have their first chance when Christie Murray closed Brighton goalkeeper Megan Walsh down, forcing her to hurry her clearance. The ball reached Lucy Quinn, but her shot hit the post. Ten minutes later, Libby Smith turned her marker well and found herself one-on-one with the 'keeper but her shot was saved. At this point, Jade Pennock and Libby Smith were working exceptionally well together with Smith making some great runs and Pennock playing the through balls to find her. Their efforts paid off in the 25th minute when Pennock played Smith through and, despite her initial shot being saved, Smith made sure the rebound found the back of the net. 1-0 Blues! Whilst Brighton weren't providing much of an attacking threat, Blues had another chance ten minutes later when a mix up in the Brighton defence allowed Pennock through on goal, but her shot was straight at Walsh. Just before half-time, former Blue Veatriki Sarri tried her luck from long-range, though her shot was comfortably saved by Lucy Thomas in the Blues goal. Blues were very much on top in the first half and Brighton were rattled.

Brighton were starting to get forward more in the second-half but it was The Blues who struck first to double their lead. Some great work from Jamie Finn (who played an absolute blinder!) to win the ball back down the left and play Pennock in, who volleyed home to make it 2-0 in the 53rd minute! Brighton took things up a gear after this and pulled a goal back in the 59th minute through Lee Geum-min who curled her shot beyond Thomas' reach. Blues didn't let this affect them though as, just three minutes later, Lucy Quinn got Blues' third. Pennock made a great run down the right hand side before crossing to Quinn who lifted the ball over the 'keeper to make it 3-1! Blues were out for more and had two great chances in the space of two minutes. Siobhan Wilson with a shot that drew a great save from Walsh in the 72nd minute and Louise Quinn hit the crossbar with a header from the resulting corner. Blues had some defending to do after this though as Brighton were on the press for the last ten minutes of the game. Blues were soaking up the pressure well but, unfortunately, Brighton were given a penalty on the 89th minute. A handball in the box which was one of those that the player can't get away from but will always be given in today's game. Danielle Carter converted the penalty for Brighton to make it 3-2 and provide a close end to the game. The Blues managed to see the remainder of the game out well though and go top of the (Conti Cup) league!

An absolutely magnificent performance from Blues today. Everyone was pressing all over the pitch, from defence to the front, and Finn and Murray battled to win everything in midfield. The international break has probably come at a bad time with Blues on a roll, but they should hold on to this confidence when we head to Southampton on the 17th.

Good luck to all the Blues on international duty!

KRO!