City's Women Defeated By Leaders Villa

Optimism was high among the Leicester City Women ranks going into the clash following last week's 2-0 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Farley Way.

However, Villa had won eight of their nine encounters to date before the encounter and were in ruthless form in Boldmere, despite a valiant effort from the Foxes.

Within just two minutes, City almost went ahead as a goalmouth scramble ended with the ball bobbling back off the post, but the hosts were able to clear.

The Foxes were forced into an early change, as Georgia Popple came off with an injury, Freya Thomas came on, but Villa were the dominant force in the first half.

Demi Lambourne, in goal for Leicester, was in fine form, denying Sophie Haywood and Mel Johnson as the home side looked to continue their excellent run of results.

At the break, Simran Jhamat was introduced, replacing captain Holly Morgan, but with 12 minutes to go, Villa took control as Marisa Ewers and then Mel Johnson found the net.

While Annabel Blanchard halved the deficit in the 87th minute, Shania Hayles restored a two-goal lead for the hosts, sealing their ninth victory of the 2019/20 campaign.

As a result, Leicester remain eighth in the FA Women's Championship on eight points from 10 matches ahead of the FA WSL Cup tie against Everton on Wednesday (7:45pm GMT kick-off).

The details...

City: Lambourne, N. Johhnson, Morgan (c) (Jhamat 45'), Cataldo, Blanchard, Paul, James, Bailey-Gayle, Brown, L. Johnson (Smith 79'), Popple (Thomas 18')

Subs not used: Taylor, York, Lawrence, Camwell

Goal: Blanchard 87'