Late goal sinks Town Ladies (From Basingstoke Gazette)

Late goal sinks Town Ladies

4:00pm Friday 22nd March 2013 in Sport

BASINGSTOKE Town Ladies are down to sixth in the Southern Premier Division after conceding a late goal to lose 2-1 away at title challengers Shanklin on Sunday.

The hosts took the lead after just seven minutes, Susan Cullen calmly slotting home, and they went close to making it 2-0 soon after, Sarah Wright heading over.

Lianne Hill was Town’s main threat throughout the game and her cross could have led to an equaliser – but the visiting striker headed wide.

Basingstoke had goalkeeper Erin Davis to thank for keeping them in the game at half-time, the Town custodian making some good saves to make sure it remained 1-0 at the break.

She produced an even better stop early in the second-half, denying the hosts what would have been a great team goal – and Davis’ efforts were rewarded on the hour as Town drew level.

Hill was again the catalyst, beating the defence to a ball over the top before putting in a cross that was deemed to have been handled in the area, giving Ayala Liran the chance to draw her side level from the spot.

Another Hill run almost led to a second goal soon after – but the cross sailed over the incoming attackers, while Davis made another good save to keep her side level.

However, the hosts scored what proved to be the winner seven minutes from time, Rowan Treagus finishing off a fine team move.

Town were unable to find an equaliser and the game ended on a sour note as Hill and Shanklin goalkeeper Gemma Woodford clashed after the final whistle, with both being shown red cards.

The ladies are in action again on Sunday, when they travel to eighth-placed Bracknell.