The ladies pulled off a crucial 1 nil win against rivals Huncote at Grange park on Sunday to take them 1 step closer to promotion.
The Blues knew it was a must win game but in the first 20 minutes it looked like it would end badly for the ladies as the visiting team started brighter, maintaining possesion and dominating the midfield area.
The Blues didn’t give up however, and Huncote became frustrated when they couldn’t make the most of their dominance.
Long Eaton adapting to their new formation fought their way back into the game, yet neither team could not break the deadlock, in the end it was Huncote who came the closest with a long range effort that rattled the cross bar.
At half time the scores were still level and the win was there to take for either team.
The second half began in much the same fashion both teams trying to get the breakthrough. However this time, the Blues seemed to have the upper hand and pressured the Huncote back four, the ladies again showing the fighting spirit they were used to and they had chances to take the lead but couldn’t find that finish.
Then after winning a corner Huncote failed to clear and the ball went back out to Kimi Harford who whipped in a cross that was thumped home by midfielder Charlotte Healy to put the Blues 1 nil up.
Long Eaton could have pushed for further goals but to Huncote’s credit they attacked the Long Eaton back line, forcing the Blues to defend in munbers as they looked to get the equaliser.
So it was all hands on deck, however the visiting team struggled to find a way through. They kept the pressure on, winning corners and free kicks, but the Long Eaton defence were on fine form and keeper Hopewell pulled out some good saves to keep Huncote at bay.
The last 10 minutes were tense, Huncote pinning the Blues back but the final whistle came and the spoils went to Long Eaton.
It was a vital win meaning the ladies are now only 2 points behind league leaders Hinckley with a game in hand.
Next week the Blues face Nuneaton at home, every match now is a must win for promotion.
The crunch match against the other title contenders Hinckley will be on Thursday 15th April where the winners will almost certainly be promoted.
