WCWFC 0-0 Solihull Moors
Worcester City Women took on Solihull Moors in a highly anticipated clash, with only three points separating the two sides in the table. The end result left City frustrated in a goalless draw against the fellow West-Midlands side.
The evening began with a fantastic pre-game performance by the University of Worcester Saints Dance Society, setting the stage for an exciting match. From the opening whistle, Worcester dominated proceedings, creating countless chances, but despite their relentless attacking efforts, the elusive breakthrough never came.
Worcester started brightly, immediately putting pressure on Solihull Moors' backline. The first major chance fell to Evie Billingsley, who latched onto a precise through ball and found herself in a one-on-one situation, but her effort narrowly missed the target.
Annie Highway, pulling the strings in midfield, displayed some dazzling footwork before threading a perfect ball in behind for Keeley Crew. The winger delivered a dangerous first-time cross, which was only just cleared by a scrambling Solihull defender. The clearance fell straight back to Highway, who unleashed a shot from the edge of the box—agonisingly wide once again.
The chances kept coming. Shona Baldwin whipped in a teasing cross from the byline, met by Crew, who's brilliant first touch set up a powerful volley towards the roof of the net. The Moors keeper pulled off an incredible save to deny what looked like a certain goal.Highway continued to dictate the tempo, pulling off a clever Cruyff turn before slipping Billingsley through on goal. The winger delivered an inch-perfect cross to Olivia Mitcham, who rose highest and powered a header on target, only to see her effort go straight into the keeper’s gloves. A quick free-kick saw Crew break in behind once again, but her near-post strike was denied by the impressive Solihull keeper.
Moments later, Mitcham dropped deep, flicking the ball into Billingsley’s path. She struck it sweetly, but once again, the keeper was equal to it. Worcester City dominated the first half but had nothing to show for their efforts.
The second half kicked off with City maintaining their attacking intent. Crew once again found space down the right, delivering a pinpoint cross to Mitcham, but her header sailed just over the bar. In search of a breakthrough, manager Matt Jones made key substitutions, bringing on Jasmin Springer and Chloe Bellamy to inject fresh energy into the attack. The impact was immediate—Springer picked up the ball and unleashed a powerful drive, forcing another great save. Bellamy followed up on the rebound, smashing a shot against the crossbar—yet another golden chance that went begging.
Further changes saw Kaye Haggett and Esme Harris enter the game, adding even more attacking firepower. A dangerous floating cross was met by Annie Sime’s towering header, but once again, the Solihull keeper made the save.
With time running out, a hard challenge on Millie Robinson forced her off, with Jess Bate stepping in at left-back. In the final minutes, Jess Fassnidge, Bellamy, and Haggett gave everything to carve out one last chance, but the final touch just wasn’t there.
Despite dominating possession, creating numerous clear-cut opportunities, and testing the keeper repeatedly, Worcester City just couldn't find the finishing touch. Solihull Moors, largely on the back foot, held on for a 0-0 draw, thanks in part to their outstanding goalkeeper and some last-ditch defending.
City will take plenty of positives from their attacking play, but the frustration of not converting chances will be something they look to put right in their next game.
Thank you to all our fantastic fans for their support on Wednesday evening in what was our highest attendance of the season so far with over 350 attendees! We have a break until our next home fixture on the 9th March, which will be played at Malvern Town FC, 2pm KO (more details to follow).