October 5, 2020 10.03 am This story is over 40 months old

Lincoln United WFC FA Cup dreams crushed in 1-0 loss

Brittany Civil scored the only goal

An exciting FA Cup run came to an end for Lincoln United WFC after a narrow 1-0 defeat against Sutton Coldfield Town.

The first half saw neither team pose a real threat on their opponents’ goal. It was a back and forth affair, with each team going forward with pace. However, all attacks were quickly fizzled out by defences.

On the ball, Sutton Coldfield Town were superior. They strung better passes together, and whilst neither team could keep possession for long, they looked more convincing when on the ball as the first half ended goalless.

Almost instantaneously Sutton found themselves ahead. A long goal kick travelled over the head of the Whites’ defenders. It fell to Brittany Civil, who hit it on the bounce from distance and the ball went over the head of Katy Gilbert and into the top of the net.

Gilbert quickly found herself called into action again when Civil put her attacking partner Niamh Deasy through one-on-one. She fired low, forcing Gilbert into a save with her legs.

Lincoln United could not put together a threatening attack on the other side.

Sutton grasped at any opportunity available and it showed as Imogen Fisher launched a shot from distance. Her attempt struck the bar and went out for a throw-in.

Lincoln pile the pressure on. | Photo: Lincs Photography

As the clock dwindled down Lincoln United upped the intensity.

A questionable decision by the referee drew shouts from the Lincoln United dugout.

Unpleased, the official took to his pocket – sending off the Whites’ assistant manager Callum Ward.

Lincoln thought they’d found a way to force penalties. However, a controversial offside decision saw Tracey Duxbury-Mead’s back-post goal ruled out.

Trying to finish the game, Deasy charged at Gilbert. She took the ball past a sweeping Gilbert, leaving her with an open goal, but her attempt struck the post.

Abbie Murrell, who seemed to be a thorn in the Sutton defence all game, picked up the ball on the edge of the box. She took the ball round a defender and was fouled for what felt like the hundredth time.

Staying up, she charged into the box, before being brought down by an opposing defender. To the Whites dismay, the official brought back the play to the previous foul outside the box.

Lauren Churcher stepped over the dead ball, shooting and not threatening the keeper.

Sutton Coldfield 1- 0 Lincoln United. | Photo: Lincs Photography

Another emotional rollercoaster for Lincoln United in the Women’s FA Cup, this time ending in despair.

Their inability to create any real chances came back to hurt them in a game that could’ve gone either way.

Sutton Coldfield Town 1-0 Lincoln United

By Luther Odame