In classic dismal FA Cup weather, a contentious first half goal was enough to see London City Lionesses defeat Portsmouth 1-0 and advance to the competition’s fourth round.
Despite some drizzle and blustery winds to start, the visitors began sprightly, however, in the 15th minute, a scramble in the Portsmouth box saw London City Lionesses skipper Harley Bennett fire her side ahead. A 30-second delay followed before the goal was given with the match officials determining that the full ball had narrowly crossed the line, although it was a questionable decision. It was a contentious moment that ultimately benefitted the home side.
Looking to double The Pride’s lead, Shanade Hopcroft and Lily Agg both had shots saved by the in-form Pompey keeper, Hannah Haughton.
The third tier visitors were not deterred by going behind and they put the pressure on with Sophie Quirk’s attempt flying wide of the far post. However, Portsmouth could not maintain a long spell of possession, allowing the Barclays Women’s Championship front-runners to regroup before forcing some big saves from Haughton.
Karin Muya took a tumble into the advertising boards following a tackle from Izzy Collins, the latter seeing her name entered into the book, resulting in the match’s first and only yellow card. A Portsmouth corner then forced Shae Yañez into making two crucial saves, sending the ball over the crossbar just as the half-time whistle blew.
As the wind and rain increasingly picked up pace in the second half, so did London City Lionesses with Melissa Phillips’ side registering several attempts on goal. The away side proceeded to fight back, with the game ebbing and flowing for both sides.
As the rain continued to pour down at Princes Park, the slippery conditions brought an opportunity for Portsmouth, who thought that they had found their equaliser in the 78th minute, but Annie Rolf’s goal was quickly ruled out for offside.
The hosts were able to hang onto their one-goal advantage to set-up a fourth round tie at Tottenham Hotspur later this month.
Speaking to FAWSL Full-Time after the game, London City Lionesses head coach Phillips said “It’s a result in our favour and we advance to the next round, so we’re pleased with that.
“It’s tough conditions to play in. There’s a lot for us to come away with and feel we need to work on to resume where we left off.”
Next up for London City Lionesses is a Barclays Women’s Championship fixture at Crystal Palace next weekend.