Foxes' fine win

City started brightly with Natasha Meade and Katherine Glass causing the Lionesses problems on the left, with balls coming into the box early that City couldn’t convert but they looked in a determined mood.

Millwall came back into the game though and tested the City back line, who dealt with it comfortably to deny any clear cut opportunities for the home side.

Foxes winger Zira Handley (left)was in the thick of things and fired in a shot straight at the keeper and midfielder Hannah Barrett also tested her on a couple of occasions. The City midfield of Rachel Williams, Remi Allen and Barrett, were taking control with nice inter-play and a great move from this open play saw Meade played in but the Lionesses’ keeper just managed to smother her shot.

City pressed again and after a perfectly delivered corner from full back Leah Rawle, the Millwall defenders cleared only as far as Williams on the edge of the box, but she was fouled and a direct free-kick was given 25 yards out. Rawle hit a tremendous shot that just went wide of the upright to see the score goal-less at half time.

As the second period got underway, Millwall tried to up their game but City’s rear-guard of Caz Toone, Jade Radburn, Lauren Impey and Rawle, were working hard to protect keeper Laura Niblett, whose handling was superb. Focused on their jobs they were stifling forward attacks and Toone especially was having a very strong game.

The Foxes got back on top though and Glass and Allen combined to put Handley through on goal but she pulled her shot narrowly wide.

Then in the 63rd minute, City got the break-through that their play richly deserved with a great move which involved Allen, Williams and Barrett, who had been immense all game. She slipped the ball out to Meade on the right, and from an acute angle, she hit an unstoppable shot home from 18 yards.

City got on top during this period and missed a couple of chances that Handley’s wing play deserved better. City introduced subs Helen Shipman to add a little zip down the left, and Courtney Sweetman-Kirk up front, who held the link up play well.

With minutes ticking away, Millwall pushed on but the City team, who all worked their socks off, were in no mood to let their glorious victory go and came away with a well deserved result.

Now the only Combination side left in the competition, City have drawn Everton at home in the next round on Sunday 27 January.


“The win on Sunday was another great result for us as we have proved that we can play consistently against top sides at the next level that we are aiming for next season,” said manager Rehane Skinner.

“It was a good battle with Millwall and the players worked really hard for each other and did themselves proud, creating chances to take the game but we had to wait until the 65th minute to get the winner.

“Obviously being in the last 16 is a tremendous achievement for the club and a home tie with Everton will be a great test in the next round. We are very aware of their capabilities and they are doing very well this year and are probably expected to be finalists in The FA Cup.

“However, for us the tie will be one we will approach in the same way as the last two when we have been the underdogs, we will prepare the same and I have no doubt that when it comes to it the players will give it everything and who knows what can happen.

“Football is all about playing games like this one and testing yourself and both myself and the players are very much looking forward to it.”