Jeffries stands firm as Leicester pick up second win of the season against Sutton Coldfield.

REPORT BY TOM YORK

With the sun shining at Leicester Grammar School, the home side got off to a very quick start, winning two penalty corners inside the first two minutes and putting the visitors under pressure in the early stages. However, Sutton Coldfield resisted this early dominance and had the best chance of the quarter when - on 10 minutes - centre-forward Bethany Peers latched on to a loose pass. Her shot was tipped onto the post by an excellent one-handed save from Leicester keeper Caitlin Jeffries.

Leicester started the second quarter at a high intensity, and were rewarded just two minutes after the restart when Katie Long intercepted a pass on the right wing, ran in 25 yards and broke the deadlock with a beautiful finish at the near post. The home side finished the half strongly, giving nothing away in defence and creating chances at the other end. Liv Back and Steph Hale both went close but couldn’t extend the lead, and at half time the score was 1-0.

Sutton Coldfield started the second half as Leicester had started the first, winning two early penalty corners in search of an equaliser. Caitlin Jeffries was called into action again, making a fine save down to her right to keep out visiting captain Susan Wood. The away team continued to apply pressure until – 10 minutes after the break - they won three penalty corners in succession, all three brilliantly stopped by Jeffries. The second, an amazing one-handed reflex save to block a deflected Susan Wood shot, was a moment of class that visibly lifted the entire team.

The fourth quarter saw more chances for Leicester, with midfielder Rachael Stannard unlocking the Sutton Coldfield defence and working openings for Katie Long and Liv Back to test the visiting goalkeeper. However, the lead remained at 1-0 and with the away side pushing for a draw, Jeffries made three more saves from penalty corners in the last five minutes, sealing a hard-fought three points for Leicester and lifting them to 3rd in the Vitality Women’s Division One North. Next week, a tough test away at 5th -placed Leeds. #lchc

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