Leicester City Women salvaged a dramatic point with a late Alisha Lehmann equaliser in a 2-2 draw with Southampton Women. The Foxes twice came from behind at the King Power Stadium to earn a share of the spoils.
Araya Dennis gave the hosts a dream start, firing Leicester ahead after just three minutes. Southampton responded strongly, with Freya Jupp scoring twice before the break in the 30th and 39th minutes to turn the game on its head. Leicester, now eighth in the Women's Championship with seven points from six games, pushed hard in the second half. This point extends their recent unbeaten run to three matches, following a win and a draw in their previous two outings. Their record of two wins, one draw, and three defeats this season has seen them score eight goals but concede twelve. They now sit nine points behind the league leaders, Newcastle United Women.
Their persistence was rewarded two minutes from time. Substitute Lehmann, who had entered the fray in the 76th minute, found the net to make it 2-2 and complete the comeback. This result on Sunday 25 October follows a 2-2 draw at Watford on Saturday 17 October and a 3-1 defeat at Sunderland on Sunday 4 October, contributing to a recent form of one win, two draws, and two losses.
Southampton boss Simon Parker was left to rue missed opportunities that could have sealed the win. "We're really disappointed with the result because we created enough chances to score more," Parker said. "Second half, Ellie [Brazil]'s hit the woodwork, Bashy [Mary Bashford]'s hit the woodwork." Parker also noted his team's current form, stating they have now taken just one point from their last three league fixtures.
The result sets up an immediate rematch. Leicester City Women travel to face Southampton again on Sunday, 1 November, in the Subway Players Cup. Southampton currently sit sixth in the table, providing another tough test for a Leicester side looking to climb from eighth.
This story first appeared at dailyecho.co.uk
