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London City Lionesses came from behind to secure their first win of the 2023-24 Barclays Women’s Championship season, beating Watford 3-2 at Princes Park.
Goals from Danielle Carter, Connie Scofield, and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah were the difference as Carolina Morace earned her first victory as London City head coach.
“It was a very tough match,” explained the Italian at full-time.
“Watford were very well-organised and they had chances to score, but I’m very happy because we created many chances than we did in our last match. There were lots of positives for us, in terms of our play and the processes we are working on. I’m happy to win today.”
The Golden Girls made life difficult for London City from the first whistle to the final minute and broke the deadlock after a quarter of an hour through Abbie Lafayette.
However, the hosts were quick to respond, with Scofield breaking into the penalty area and riffling a low shot beyond the reach of Olivia Clark.
Carter doubled London City’s tally for the afternoon seven minutes later, bending an audacious shot into the net from long-range.
Boye-Hlorkah put the result on ice after the break, seizing possession in the attacking half before looping the ball over the head of Clark.
Watford narrowed the deficit shortly before the hour-mark, with Carly Johns scoring her second goal in as many games.
London City weathered the storm in the final minutes, with academy product Olivia Fraser replacing new arrival Izzy Groves to earn her professional debut.
“It was obviously a tough one but we’re so happy to walk away with three points,” Scofield explained at full-time.
“It’s really positive that we were able to come from behind – we didn’t let our heads drop, it didn’t knock out confidence, and we just played aggressively to recover. I think the whole team worked together really well and put our bodies on the line to make sure that we came away with the points.”
While Scofield clinched the Player of the Match award, goalkeeper Grace Moloney received lofty from the boss at full-time.
“Grace is so important for us,” explained Morace.
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“She’s one of the best goalkeepers that I have seen throughout all of my career, and I have coached internationally. She’s really, really good – which is why we tried everything in the summer to make sure that she joined. And we’re glad that she did.”
The Pride, we return to Princes Park on Sunday 10 September – and your support could make the difference as we host Reading in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
After an entertaining win over Watford, we can’t wait to see you back at Princes Park again.
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