Phoenix’s double as Lovelock hits winner

8:00am Thursday 15th May 2008

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Phoenix Ladies 2 Fairfield Villa 1 A LATE strike from Emily Lovelock fired Phoenix to the Herefordshire an Worcester-shire Women’s FA County Cup at Bromsgrove Rovers.

The victory also completed a double for Phoenix who had already claimed the West Midland Regional Women’s League Division 1 South title.

Fairfield settled quickly in the cup final and only three superb saves from goalkeeper Lisa Francis kept them at bay.

Phoenix struggled, playing up the slope, but they took the lead against the run of play in the 20th minute through Clare Almond.

Lovelock neatly laid the ball to the Bromyard schoolgirl who hammered a 25-yard shot into the top corner.

Fairfield drew level 10 minutes before the interval when Debra Harris out sprinted the Phoenix defence and was denied by another great save from Francis.

Kelly Godfrey forced another fine save from Francis from the rebound but the ball dropped to Harris who pushed the ball over the line.

Fairfield were lively after the break and good defending from Rebecca Edwards, Kirsty Jenkins, Karen Winfield and Deb Jenkins kept Phoenix on level terms.

But, as the game wore on in hot conditions, the younger Phoenix side appeared to gain the upperhand.

Almond, Emily Gilbert and Charlotte Criddle started to find space in the midfield.

Phoenix hit the winner with eight minutes remaining when Lovelock knocked home Leya Latham’s left-wing cross.