BIRMINGHAM CITY 2

Staniforth 50, Wellings 77

YEOVIL TOWN LADIES 1

Syme 90+3

YEOVIL Town Ladies were narrowly beaten once again by a 2-1 scoreline at high-flying Birmingham City in the Women's Super League.

Second-half goals from Lucy Staniforth and Charlie Wellings were enough to secure the win despite a late fightback from the visitors.

Emily Syme scored her first top-flight goal two minutes into injury time, before Nicola Cousins and Syme nearly secured a point – but their efforts were cleared off the line.

It was a match which lacked too many clear cut chances but the home side came out of the traps quickly. Former Glover Lucy Quinn nearly gave them the perfect start as she raced forward but her shot sailed wide.

It was a rather reserved first half but goalkeeper Megan Walsh was called into action on 37 minutes. Staniforth’s effort from close range looked to be goalbound but Yeovil’s number one palmed the ball away into the side-netting.

After the break, the Blues started strongly and got the goal after five minutes. Staniforth found herself one-on-one with Walsh and slotted home.

Yeovil worked hard and were disciplined at the back but, on 77 minutes, substitute Wellings’ excellent finish gave the Blues a two-goal lead.

Nicola Cousins then returned to the pitch and gave the Glovers a boost. A rousing finish saw Emily Syme take advantage of some sloppy play and she made no mistake in firing home.

Yeovil then really turned on the style as they looked to get the equaliser. Hannah Short’s late free kick caused Blues problems in the box and Nicola Cousins’ effort was cleared before Syme nearly scored a second but it was cleared off the line by Aoife Mannion.

It was not to be for Yeovil as they slipped to defeat and Birmingham kept up the pressure on leaders Arsenal and Manchester City.

Lee Burch’s side remain in bottom spot, one point behind Brighton & Hove Albion and a further point behind Everton.

The Glovers next face West Ham United, occupants of sixth, in a crucial game at Dorchester Town’s Clayson Stadium on Sunday (3pm).

Birmingham: Hampton, Sargeant, Ladd (Mayling 81), Arthur, Follis (Hayles 87), Scofield, Scott, Mannion, Staniforth (Wellings 66), Quinn, Williams. Sub not used: Berger

Yeovil: Walsh, Goddard (Cousins 55), Short, Mason, Alexander, Syme, Horwood, Gaylor (Donovan 80), Evans (Albuery 68), Fergusson, Heatherson. Subs not used: Howard, Buxton, Bloomfield

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