Often Partisan

Another Win for Blues Ladies

A late Charlie Wellings goal secured another victory in front of a record crowd for Birmingham City Ladies which elevated them (albeit briefly) to third in the table. In a game a little devoid of quality there were few chances for either team and in the end it took a bit of luck for Blues to finally break the deadlock.

While Blues Ladies can be happy that they are absolutely not living up to the pre-season billing as relegation candidates there must be some concern regarding the continued lack of goals and chances. The team did carve out openings; indeed at times Sunderland were generous enough to present a few themselves but all too often players were guilty of passing rather than taking a chance and having a shot.

Sunderland captain Steph Bannon was guilty of providing Blues best chance of a goal before they scored, deflecting an effort goalwards only to see Rachael Bannon catch it prior to it flying into the net. Indeed, it was Bannon who set up the only goal of the game, looping a header from a throw towards the goal which Laws could only tip onto the bar, allowing Wellings to head home from very close range.

Andrine Hegerberg has definitely added a touch of class in the middle but sadly on many occasions her teammates didn’t seem to be on her wavelength, being caught on their heels when a chance to really make inroads behind the Sunderland defence presented itself. Notable exceptions were Jess Carter and Mel Lawley, who both showed flashes of skill on the flanks, getting behind the full backs and creating chances to cross from the byeline.

Although Blues Ladies have 16 points from ten games and realistically have an outside chance of a finish good enough for European football next season the real story of their season is in the goals column; eleven goals in total in their ten games points to a miserly defence and a profligate attack and so often it is a single goal that has decided their fixtures.

Over 1,000 spectators were present for the game which bodes well for the future of the club but I think it will take a little more finesse on the pitch to keep building that number. For long periods the game was dour and while the sun was shining it wasn’t the most thrilling game; as I remarked on the press balcony games will have to be more exciting if they want more people to come.

However, the success of the sister club tournament held before the game shows that there is a strong grass roots presence in the women’s game – and it may be through building links with junior teams and encouraging younger attendees rather than chasing the commercial dollar which will secure the future of the sport.

Blues have two away fixtures in the WSL before welcoming Liverpool back for their Continental Cup tie on August 7.

Team:

Berger; Windell, Mannion, Carter, Peplow (Linden HT), Hegerberg, Stringer, Harrop, Lawley, Ayisi (Ewers 90), Wellings.

Subs not used: Baggaley, Linnett, Schofield, Johnson.

Blues Ladies - sponsored by Hollywood Monster

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8 Responses to “Another Win for Blues Ladies”

  • oldburyblue says:

    I think Sunderland came for a point and so it was very difficult to penetrate their basketball-style solid defence. I am sure that had we scored earlier gaps would have appeared for us to exploit. Hope that Kirsty can provide that missing spark on her return.

  • Bluey says:

    What is it about Blues and a paucity of goals? But great result well done ladies.

  • Big Al says:

    This is a golden age at the Autotech Stadium at the moment. Long may it continue.

  • Dave Mann says:

    We lose our three England stars and still keep clean sheets and win games .. Let’s hope the guys follow suit . KRO

  • nuneatim says:

    I thought at times yesterday we played some confident passing football in the build up but were indeed too elaborate in front of goal, passing when there were options to shoot. Great to see a big enthusiastic crowd and the team continuing to grow in confidence.

  • Simply the best ladies , don’t be shy at attempts at goals , the more attempts the more goals …..kro

  • jonno11blue says:

    Certainly better football than last season, but continue to lack a goal threat.
    Although the gate reached 4 figures the question I ask is how many of those got in for free? Were all those taking part in the tournament and their families let in without paying

  • mark says:

    i just love the blue ladies…


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