By Jeff Burnige at Princes Park
Millwall Lionesses completed a quickfire double over rivals Dartford FC Women with a 3-2 victory at Princes Park last Sunday to strengthen their grip on third place in the London & South East Women’s Regional Football League Premier Division.
Millwall had defeated Dartford 2-0 at St Paul’s the previous weekend and kept in the chase for the one promotion spot as they came from behind to win seven days later. However, the Lionesses trail leaders Ebbsfleet United, who have a game in hand, by six points and second-place Worthing, who have played two games fewer, by three.
As usual, Dartford presented a very strong physical challenge and looked well-organised with a definite game-plan to hit the Lionesses with a high press. The hosts took the lead on 25 minutes when this paid off as they forced a mistake at the back and Elizabeth Adams scored.
Jack Wheeler’s side could have been two down but for a great save by goalkeeper Hope Smith before top-scorer Otesha Charles showed her value at the other end of the pitch by heading off the line as she defended a corner.
The Lionesses got their chance to get back on level terms in the 39th minute. Charles made a tremendous run down the left then cut in along the goal-line only to be tripped when about to shoot. Charles eventually got to her feet and slotted home the equaliser from the spot.
That lifted the Lionesses and on 45 minutes Angel Reid left the full-back on the floor, ran into the box and hit a powerful shot which was saved but Charles smashed the rebound home for a 2-1 interval lead.
Millwall were now on top and Wheeler was able to bring on seventeen-year-old year old Melissa Jones for only her second appearance as she joined her under-18 team-mate Ellen Napper on the pitch.
There were then chances for Kaydence Kabadaki and Reid, and eventually the victory was sealed when Maisie Joyce headed home Jade Keogh’s left-wing corner.
In the ninth and last minute of stoppage-time Dartford made it 3-2 through Paris Smith, before the referee brought the match to a close.
The Lionesses have no match this Easter Sunday. Their next fixture is crucial as they travel to Ebbsfleet on Sunday, April 16.