Penn & Tylers Green Ladies 0 – 1 Eastleigh In The Community Ladies

Eastleigh put one past Penn to send them through in the League Cup

By Darcie Panayiotou

Penn & Tylers Green Ladies suffered a 1-0 defeat at home against Eastleigh In The Community, putting an end to their run in the Southern Region Women’s Football League Cup. Sarah Bradshaw claimed the winner for the visitors to see them progress to the next round of the cup and knock Penn out.

Eastleigh travelled to play Penn at the French School Meadow ground on Sunday 4th December, with both sides battling to progress into the next round. Despite the cold and grey weather, a strong turnout presented a competitive atmosphere as the game got underway.

Penn were pushing for the win against Eastleigh who sit in the division above them, eager to get back into winning ways after their unbeaten run in the league was put to an end last week by Woodley United. Following the loss, Penn altered their formation to a back four to provide a further defensive element to their play.

The whistle sounded kick-off at 14:00 with Eastleigh showing force in their high pressing play. The visitors also got the first chance of the match, with a cross into the box being headed just wide of the Penn goal.

Play remained competitive in the opening 25 minutes of the game, with Penn’s change in defence proving effective as Eastleigh’s shots and chances were denied.

Within the 20 and 40-minutes marks, Penn hit an unlucky streak of injuries to crucial players in the team. Captain, Rachael Harnby, Henna Hussain, and Holly Hussey-Burd came off injured within a 20-minute window. Despite the loss of senior players early on in the match, Penn manager Nigel Miller commented; “The biggest thing that pleased me about that performance today [...] the young girls that came in, in a different formation, absolutely brilliant.” as he highlighted the determination of his squad throughout the game.

Both teams remained pushing for the advantage as the half-time whistle sounded, with Eastleigh putting on a dominating performance in the opening 45 minutes.

Penn returned to the second half with increased energy as they looked to open the scoring. Sasha Smith made her way through the Eastleigh defence in the opening minutes, with her shot being saved by the Eastleigh keeper.

Despite the strong restart by Penn, Eastleigh got the breakthrough and opening goal from a counterattack, finished with a shot sent to the left of the Penn keeper, giving them the advantage leading into the remainder of the match.

The battle between the teams continued for the final 45, with the full-time whistle closing the match with the visitors claiming a spot into the next round of the Cup.

Nigel Miller remained proud of his sides performance despite not securing the win, stating he believed that “A draw would’ve been fairer”, as an attribution to the effort displayed by Penn. Miller praised debutant, Emma Nolan on her performance, he stated, “I thought Emma Nolan who made her debut today was excellent, a very good addition to the squad. On the whole very pleased.”

He also went on to comment on looking forward to Penn’s next match, with hopes of “A little bit more composure on the ball” but further recognition for the continued effort and performances from the team.

Penn will be facing Caversham United Ladies next Sunday in the league as they look to reclaim their second spot in the table before the end of 2022.

Listen to what Nigel Miller had to say in the full post-match interview!