London Bees 2
Aston Villa 1
by Danielle Lowe
at The Hive

AFTER a strong start by Aston Villa with a number of chances in the opening minutes, it was London Bees that managed to convert their chances into goals yesterday.

Going on a quick counter-attack from a Villa chance, Bees’ Emma Whitter was able to get a goal to her name and help the home side, who were sitting next to the bottom of the table before the match, take the lead just three minutes in.

Villa had more chances throughout the first half and eventually managed to form cohesion with a tasty little pass from Olivia Fergusson to Katie Wilkinson but Bees keeper Imogen Riches was able to parry the ball away.

Eventually Villa, after forcing the Bees onto the defensive, had a bit of breakthrough and made it 1-1 after Emily Owen grabbed a goal with a header from a free-kick.

Despite returning to the pitch after receiving treatment in the first half, Paige Wakefield was the first player of the match to be subbed off after yet another tumble in the early second half, meaning the captain’s armband was passed to Billie Brooks.

The home side could have taken an early lead in the second half — a good chance was squandered due to the offside flag being raised.

But by the 57th minute the Bees had their chance and Ashleigh Goddard’s header made it 2-1.

The Bees continued to swarm towards Villa’s net but couldn’t finish off the tie, with a number of shots going over and wide of the goal, as well as a few excellent saves by Riches. 

As the 70th minute ticked past, the away side desperatly to get something from the game but left empty handed.

The Bees will be delighted with the win as it gives them a chance to move off the bottom of the table.

Villa will leave disappointed after being fourth before kick off.