Our ladies team earned a point in their first match in the Midland Combination Division, thanks to a stunning fight-back against Leicester City Ladies.
The Stagettes trailed 2-0 at the interval, but Charlotte Montgomery and Gemma Hodgkinson struck after the re-start to earn us a deserved share of the points.
Our ladies’ confidence was also boosted by a good turnout from fans, of which more than 100 were present inside One Call Stadium this afternoon.
Following a bright start, The Stagettes almost went midway through the first half, when Kirsty Walton rattled the woodwork with a well-struck free-kick.
But the visitors, who demonstrated some slick passing during the match, went ahead when moments later thanks to a strike from Erica Preston.
Shortly before half-time, Leicester doubled their advantage as Kayleigh Hillier tapped home inside the six-yard box, following a good move down the right flank.
However, our ladies showed superb spirit after the re-start, as they deservedly reduced arrears within three minutes.
Kelly Clayton’s corner caused panic in The Foxes’ penalty area, and Montgomery steered a low right-footed drive into the bottom corner.
The Stagettes completed the comeback on the hour mark, as another corner by Clayton was superbly glanced home by Hodgkinson at the near-post.
During a frantic last half-hour, both teams spurned gilt-edge opportunities to take all three points, as the momentum swung constantly.
The Stagettes had goalkeeper Emma Horsnell to thank for some excellent reflex saves, but they nearly snatched maximum points in added time.
Jemma Douglas played a defence-splitting pass, which found Montgomery inside the area, but she was denied at a tight angle by the Leicester ‘keeper.
Stagettes’ boss Alan Woodfield was delighted with the performance.
He said afterwards: “It was a good start to the new season. We showed excellent character to fight back from two goals down and there is still a lot more to come.”
Team: Horsnell, Davis, Braithwaite, Bridge (c), Walton, Clayton, Gelson, Hodgkinson, Douglas, Bodle, Montgomery.
