Match Preview: LCFC Women vs. Lewes Women

LCFC Women
07 Nov 2020
3 Minutes
LCFC Women return to FA Women's Championship action on Sunday, hosting Lewes Women at Farley Way Stadium (2pm kick off).

- The Foxes turn their attention back to league action after a midweek cup victory over Blackburn Rovers
- Lewes are the visitors to Farley Way Stadium on Sunday (2pm kick-off)
- Both sides have made a good start to the season, each sitting on 11 points after six games
- Live match updates will be available via LCFC Women's official social media accounts

Ahead of City's clash with Lewes in Quorn, a meeting between fourth and fifth, LCFC.com provides all the information you need, including how to follow the action, a look at the form guide and an assessment of the visitors' threats.

The Foxes camp

The Foxes overcame a stubborn Blackburn side in midweek to get back to winning ways.

Leicester began their Continental Tyres League Cup campaign in midweek, recording a 5-2 group stage victory over Blackburn Rovers on Wednesday evening.

A brace from Natasha Flint gave City a comfortable half-time lead, but the visitors struck back to level the tie soon after the break.

The introductions of Charlie Devlin and Paige Bailey-Gayle turned the game back in City's favour as both players found the net before a late own goal added some gloss to the scoreline.

That result was the perfect response to the side's first league defeat of the season, a 4-1 loss at London City Lionesses last weekend. The Foxes currently sit on 11 points after six games, ahead of Sunday's opponents on goal difference. 

Three To Watch

Defender Ellie Hack has made an instant impact for Lewes since her loan move from Brighton.

Lewes' early season success has been built on a solid backline, as the club boasts an impressive record of four clean sheets. Centre-back Ellie Hack, currently on loan from Brighton & Hove Albion, typifies their approach. Aged just 18, Lewes' new No.6 has already shown maturity beyond her years, perhaps drawing on her experiences within the England youth setup, having turned out for the Under-16s and Under-17s. Hack has proved to be effective in both boxes, adding her name to the scoresheet once already this season.

Welsh midfielder Ellie Leek, who signed from Charlton Athletic in January 2020, also lists French outfit Le Harve and Bristol City - where she came through the ranks - as previous clubs. The 25-year-old scored Lewes' winner from the penalty spot to overcome London City Lionesses last month and has started five of their six league games so far, underlining her importance in the middle of the park.

Katie Rood, 28, is an experienced forward who spent the majority of her early career in her native New Zealand before playing for the likes of Bristol City in the WSL and Italian giants Juventus. Initially signing for the Rookettes on loan in 2019, she made the move permanent and has been a key member of the squad since 2019/20. Also a full international for her country, Rood got off the mark for the season by scoring in a 2-2 draw with Liverpool last weekend.

Opposition Form Guide

Lewes have recovered well from their disappointing start to the season, rising up to fifth in the FA Women's Championship table.

Since losing 3-0 to Durham on the opening day of the season, the south coast club have enjoyed an unbeaten league run that included three consecutive 1-0 victories over Coventry United, London City Lionesses and Blackburn Rovers.

Two draws, against Sheffield United and recently-relegated Liverpool have followed, ahead of their visit to Farley Way Stadium.

The Rookettes have faired less well in the Continental Tyres League Cup, however, losing to both Arsenal and Crystal Palace in their opening two group stage fixtures.

A London derby awaits for Simon Parker's side next weekend, as they meet London Bees at The Hive on Sunday 15 December (2pm kick-off). 

Last Time Out

Lachante Paul celebrates her goal during last season's away victory over Lewes.

City were 3-0 victors in the last league meeting between the two sides in October 2019. Hayley James, Lachante Paul and Libby Smith were all on the scoresheet at The Dripping Pan in what was a comfortable afternoon for the Foxes.

How To Follow

Sunday's visit of Lewes will be the Foxes' second home game this week.

You will be able to access live updates from the behind-closed-doors encounter with Lewes by following LCFC Women on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, while there will also be plenty of reaction from the Foxes camp after full-time, including post-match interviews and extended match highlights on LCFC TV.

All times GMT.