WCWFC 0-3 Leafield Athletic
WCWFC Starting 11
Worcester City Women faced a challenging test in their second match of the year, taking on a well-structured Leafield Athletic side. The squad featured two changes from their emphatic 7-0 County Cup victory in the previous match, with debutant Esme Harris and Jess Bate joining the starting lineup. Despite their efforts, City suffered a 3-0 defeat in a game where they struggled to break through Leafield's solid defence.
The match began lively, with both teams creating half-chances early on. In the 5th minute, Evie Billingsley made an impressive run down the left flank, feeding Olivia Mitcham for a strike on goal, only for the Leafield defence to block the effort.
Leafield were the team to open the scoring though and in the 11th minute when a free kick from 25 yards out looped into the back of the net after a cross to the far post caught out City’s goalkeeper, Kirsty Bridgwater. In the 20th minute, a failure to clear a cross allowed Leafield to capitalise, making things harder for City. A composed first-time finish doubled the visitors' advantage to 2-0.
Despite falling behind, City worked hard to regain a foothold. Mitcham dropped deep to collect the ball and looked to involve her teammates, but Leafield’s organisation and high pressing made it difficult for City to find openings. Leafield’s relentless approach paid off again in the 40th minute when a misplayed back pass was intercepted by an eager Leafield striker, whose deflection found the back of the net, making it 3-0 before halftime.
The second half saw Worcester City make changes, with new signing Jasmine Springer, Keeley Crew, and Millie Robinson introduced to add fresh legs and energy. Crew brought pace down the right wing, and Billingsley delivered a dangerous cross in the 53rd minute that was just missed by the City attackers. Moments later, Springer kept a loose ball in play and set up Highway, whose shot rattled the post—a sign of City’s growing determination.
City’s best chance came late in the match when Crew linked up with Billingsley on the right, who found Jess Fassnidge in the box. Fassnidge squared it to Mitcham for a powerful strike, but the Leafield goalkeeper produced an excellent save. Annie Highway came close again with a free kick in the dying moments, hitting the frame of the goal once more.
Ultimately, City couldn’t find a breakthrough against a disciplined Leafield Athletic side, who proved clinical and tough to break down. The 3-0 loss is a setback, but City will be eager to bounce back in their next fixture against Boldmere St. Michaels.
Our next home fixture will be a big midweek game under the lights at Sixways against Solihull Moors on Wednesday the 12th of February, click the link down below to come and support the team for what will be a very important fixture!