After last weekβs seven goal thriller against Manchester City, Carla Ward named an unchanged Aston Villa side to take on Leicester City. The Villans did the double over their local rivals last season and looked to create history today in starting their first ever winning run in the WSL.
Villa started brightly with Kirsty Hanson making a dangerous run down the left wing. Her shot was blocked, winning an early corner for the visitors. The ball in was cleared but Villa kept the pressure on, and Hanson could not be stopped fairly by defender Erin Simon. Villa were awarded a penalty in the second minute of the game, and it was new hero Rachel Daly who stepped up the spot. Daly scored her third of the season by sending the keeper the wrong way, continuing her excellent form.Β
The next big chance fell to Leicester, who won a free kick in the attacking half. Jemma Purfieldβs cross was met by Shannon O’Brien, whose header from inside the box was narrowly wide. They created another couple of opportunities through a pull-back from Simon and a misplaced ball won back by OβBrien. The ex-Villan pounced and her powerful effort flew just wide of the net.
Villaβs period of defending continued throughout the half. Alisha Lehmann picked up a booking, Sarah Mayling was forced into tackles, and the whole team was blocking shots. Rachel Corsie, who has been moved forward into midfield this season, gave away a corner that was eventually cleared by Hampton in goal.
IN ASSOCIATION WITH VILLA BELLAS
Despite the early goal, Villa were lucky to lead at the break. Carla Ward took Lehmann off at half-time, replacing her with Freya Gregory. Gregory returned from last seasonβs loan at Leicester and is fresh from signing her 3 year contract extension earlier this week. Having made an impact with England U19 over the summer, Gregory has recently been promoted to the U23 squad with teammate Laura Blindkilde and is definitely one to watch this year.
Villa returned to the field a better side and the game looked more evenly balanced. Hanson stood out as the player causing the most trouble and her ability to draw fouls proved useful for regaining control of the game. She won a free kick for Danielle Turner who took a direct shot on goal, which had to be pushed away by Levell. It was summer signings Daly and Turner on set pieces today, an area we would gladly strengthen.
Emily Gielnik was introduced for Laura Blindkilde with around 20 minutes remaining, adding another recognised striker to the pitch and pushing to extend Villaβs lead. The team were working hard and Freya Gregory made an impressive solo run down the left, managing a shot despite the defenderβs best efforts to push her off the ball.
At the 85 minute mark, Josie Green took a long range shot after spotting Hampton off her line. It was one of a number of late scares for Villa, but Hampton was able to recover and make the save.Β
With just a few minutes remaining, it was Emily Gielnik who secured the three points for Villa, after some clever play with Kenza Dali set her up to shoot into the bottom left corner. The goal was a huge relief for Villa after some nervous moments, and Hampton continued to make some brilliant saves up until the final whistle to achieve her first clean sheet of the season.
The game ended a 0-2 victory for the Villa women, who now look ahead to next weekβs Conti Cup game against Manchester United. Rachel Daly stole the headlines once again, but recognition must also be given to Kirsty Hanson, Kenza Dali, and Hannah Hampton. It wasnβt the exciting game we saw last week, but the points and winning feeling are just the same.
AUTHOR | GEORGIA HOMER
Authorβs UTV PODCAST archive Georgia Homer
Thumbnail Media Credit: avfc.co.uk
UTV PODCAST HQ | LATEST NEWS
DONATE
UTVPODCAST | An Aston Villa Blogβ is now accepting small donations, which will help to support the site’s ongoing evolution.
Thank you so much for your support.
VILLA BELLAS
Villa Bellas is the Official AVFC Womenβs Network. In an unequal and often unrelenting world we work to break down barriers for equality.
Our network aims to raise the voice of women and non-binary people at @AVFCOfficial We support inclusion & diversity and with our allies, we can challenge sexism and misogyny, creating a safe and welcoming environment for the fans in the stands and the women on the pitch.
Let’s celebrate ourselves and champion each other while having fun doing it!
Twitter: @villabellas Instagram: @villa.bellas
SUBSCRIBE
Enjoying this article – then please subscribe to UTVPODCAST | An Aston Villa Blog to help us grow and support the site; you’ll receive instant email notifications of all released article.
Plus, it’s completely free.
PARTNERS
UTVPODCAST is pleased to partner with Official AVFC Store, Fanatics, Kitbag, and Classic Football Shirts. Throughout the season, we will bring you special offers and discount codes.
ASTON VILLA | KITBAG
ASTON VILLA | AVFC STORE
2022/23 Aston Villa – Shop Now
ASTON VILLA | CLASSIC FOOTBALL SHIRTS
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook and Twitter readers, click the respective icon below to follow our utvpodcast social media accounts.
