Lewes’ survival hopes suffer a blow with defeat at Blackburn Rovers

Lewes’ hopes of securing Barclays Women’s Championship survival have suffered a blow with The Rooks going down 2-1 to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park this evening.

Goals from Hannah Coan and Lucy Shepherd put the hosts 2-0 up and while Hollie Olding pulled one back for Lewes, it wasn’t enough as the Sussex club slipped to a 10th league defeat of the season.

Blackburn Rovers got off to the perfect start when a corner kick was delivered to Coan who was completely unmarked six yards from goal. The defender had the simple task of tapping the ball into the back of the net to put her side ahead. Shepherd soon went close to making it 2-0 but her curling effort went narrowly wide of goal.

Lewes grew into the opening half without really troubling home keeper Alex Brooks. They were almost punished for their lack of attacking threat just before the break but Jade Richards’ header was blocked before Megan Hornby fired over from the rebound.

Blackburn Rovers deservedly doubled their lead early in the second half. Hornby delivered perfectly for Shepherd who directed her header into the Lewes net.

The visitors did get themselves back into the game when Olding headed home from a corner kick but they were unable to find a second goal as the contest ended 2-1 in the hosts’ favour.

This evening’s result sees Blackburn Rovers move into sixth position in the Barclays Women’s Championship table while Lewes remain in the relegation zone, three points from safety.