As Leicester battle for their WSL survival, Willie Kirk‘s side welcomed West Ham for the penultimate weekend of the league campaign.
The two sides last faced off in November, where West Ham managed a slender 1-0 victory. With much on the line for the hosts, could Leicester find a crucial three points against the Hammers?
Starting XIs
Leicester: Leitzig; Nevin, Tierney, Bott, Whelan, Howard, Jones, Siemsen, Cain, Plumptre, Mace.
West Ham: Arnold; Shimizu, Tysiak, Snerle, Brynjarsdóttir, Thestrup, Parker, Denton, Hayashi, Fisk, Asseyi.
How it went
Despite enjoying most of the game’s possession, Leicester’s start to the afternoon could undoubtedly be described as a nightmare. Struggling for a foothold in the game, the hosts went down a goal just 18 minutes into the tie.
An own goal from Sophie Howard forced Leicester to battle for a route back into the game. The Foxes largely dominated the first half, but Kirk’s side couldn’t find an equaliser.
Barely 15 minutes into the second half, West Ham received a penalty. Howard’s handball inside the area saw Dagný Brynjarsdóttir step up to take the spot kick which she duly converted. The remainder of the game followed in much the same manner as the first half.
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile Leicester were better on the ball, it wouldn’t be until injury time before the hosts would open their account for the afternoon. Aileen Whelan was fouled by the West Ham keeper with the home side awarded a penalty as a result. Though, a red card for Ruby Mace added to the Foxes’ troubles as the hosts were reduced to 10 players.
With just one minute remaining, Hannah Cain stepped up to take the penalty. Despite Mackenzie Arnold’s best efforts, the No.21’s strike found the back of the net—restoring the deficit to just one goal.
Up next
Leicester will next face Brighton away from home, while West Ham will play host to Tottenham.
