WHAT HAPPENED
Despite a late goal from Vivianne Miedema, we slipped to our first defeat of 2019 on Sunday as Chelsea ran out 2-1 winners at Meadow Park.
On what was otherwise a disappointing afternoon of Women’s Super League action, Leah Williamson made her 100th appearance for the club, while Beth Mead and Katie McCabe celebrated their 50th.
Chelsea started on the front foot with Karen Carney and Mille Bright coming close from inside the penalty area, but Pauline Peyraud-Magnin was on hand to make a number of fine saves.
However, the Blues maintained their relentless pressure and, following a sublime delivery from Hannah Blundell, Erin Cuthbert opened the scoring with a looping header into the top-left corner.
Miedema went on to trouble the Chelsea defence twice, but Lisa Evans and Leah Williamson were unable to provide the final ball.
Following the break, Montemurro replaced the injured Mead with Emma Mitchell, prompting a positive spell of possession - but shortly after the hour mark we found ourselves trailing by two goals.
Bethany England leapt high inside the box to head down Sophie Ingle’s lofted pass and, once again, Cuthbert was there to apply the finishing touch. This time a volley into the bottom-right corner.
Montemurro’s side continued to battle, though, and with less than 10 minutes remaining Kim Little stormed down the right wing and picked out Miedema, who made no mistake from close range.
The Netherlands international would go on to create one final chance but, despite beating all three of her markers, she was unable to fire past Hedvig Lindahl.
WHAT IT MEANS
We remain at the top of the WSL table.
WHAT’S NEXT
Following the international break, Montemurro’s side will face Reading in the WSL on Sunday, January 27.
The game will take place at Adams Park with kick-off at 12:30pm (UK time).
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