Late goal hands London City Lionesses Women’s League Cup victory over Southampton | OneFootball

London City Lionesses defeated Southampton 1-0 in their opening Women’s League Cup group stage game at Silverlake Stadium this evening.

Defender Maddi Wilde popped up with the winning goal for The Pride four minutes from time.

After a competitive start, London City Lionesses came close to opening the scoring in the 21st minute through Lucy Fitzgerald. She reacted to an error by home keeper Kayla Rendell, but was unable to capitalise as Paige Peake blocked the chance with a goal-line clearance.

On the half-hour, Southampton went close themselves when Rianna Dean registered a shot at goal, however, her effort was pushed onto the post by London City Lionesses keeper Grace Moloney. The Saints then hit the woodwork again from the resulting corner.

Despite promising opportunities for both sides, the first half ended goalless.

In the second half, London City Lionesses substitute Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah tested Rendell with a shot from 35 yards, but The Saints keeper denied her the opener and the ball went behind for a corner.

Moments later, London City Lionesses took the lead when defender Wilde converted at the near post.

In the closing minutes, both sides pushed to create further chances, but the scoreline remained 1-0 in the visitors’ favour.

London City Lionesses return to Barclays Women’s Championship action this weekend when they host Portsmouth at Hayes Lane while Southampton do not play on matchday five.