Villa Beat The Foxes In WSL
Goals from Rachel Daly and Emily Gielnik at either end of the match secured a win for the visitors on Filbert Way and consigned Leicester to a second successive loss.
Just one change was made to the starting XI by manager Lydia Bedford from the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend with Shannon O’Brien introduced from the off and Natasha Flint dropping to the bench.
It was a nightmare start for the hosts as Villa were awarded a spot-kick just two minutes in. Erin Simon was adjudged to have taken out Kirsty Hanson in the penalty area, leaving England international Daly to step up and convert from 12 yards, finding the bottom corner after sending Kirstie Levell the wrong way.
Leicester responded well to the set back, though, with O'Brien heading wide from Jemma Purfield's free-kick. Simon got to the byline soon after, pulling the ball back across goal for O'Brien, but the forward glanced a first-time effort wide.
The chances continued to fall for the England Under-23 international as she won possession back high up and curled a shot narrowly past the far post, before seeing a shot blocked, as did Carrie Jones.
Villa's first opportunity since the goal saw Alisha Lehmann utilise her pace down the right, cutting inside and unleashing a low shot that was comfortable for Levell to claim in the final action of the first half.
Leicester came out with intent in the second period and, from Purfield's free-kick, fashioned an early chance. The set piece was punched away by Hampton, but only out to Josie Green, whose effort was charged down.
At the other end, Danielle Turner's free-kick was tipped onto the crossbar by City's shot-stopper. A Villa counter-attack then saw Daly's cross-field ball eventually find Maz Pacheco, but the full-back blazed her strike well wide.
A triple substitution was made by Bedford on 70 minutes to try and turn the game in the home side's favour, with Natasha Flint, CJ Bott and Demi Vance all coming on, the latter for her debut.
But it was the Villans who suddenly looked more likely to score. Former Foxes loanee Freya Gregory had a shot saved by Levell, ahead of Kenza Dali finding space to take aim but again seeing the ex-Everton 'keeper in the way. She was not called into action from Hanson's cross, though, which Daly headed off target.
Flint started to have an impact on the game as it moved towards the final 10 minutes, showing strength to muscle her way into a crossing position, picking out Carrie Jones, who diverted the ball wide.
Another opportunity fell to Green with five to play, seeing Hannah Hampton off her line and attempting to lob the Villa 'keeper, who got back to keep the hosts at bay.
The game was wrapped up in the 87th minute. Dali played through substitute Gielnik and the Australian forward made no mistake in finding the back of the net, with a touch from Levell only able to help the ball on its way into the bottom corner.
After Missy Goodwin replaced Molly Pike, City continued to push for a goal and Green's cross looked to have been headed in by Howard but for an impressive diving save from Hampton to thwart her and end any hope of a late comeback.
Major moment…
City dominated the first half following Rachel Daly's third minute penalty and were unfortunate to be behind at the break. They were not able to fashion many clear-cut chances in the second 45, however, and a late second ensured the points would be Villa's.
Where do we stand?
Following matchday two, City are 11th in the top-flight standings, yet to pick up a point in 2022/23.
Coming up...
It's a quick turnaround for the Foxes with Everton away up next in the WSL on Thursday 29 September, a 6:30pm kick-off at Walton Hall Park.
The details…
City: Levell; Simon (Vance 70'), Howard, Tierney, Plumptre, Purfield (Bott 70'); Pike (Goodwin 88'), Green, Whelan (c); Jones, O'Brien (Flint 70').
Subs not used: Poor, Scofield, E. Jones, Baker.