Recap: Lincoln U 0-4 Harriers

---

HARRIERS gave their survival hopes a huge boost with a stunning 4-0 win at Lincoln United on Sunday.

Following County Cup heartbreak last time out, it was important for the side to pick up a vital three points against the league strugglers.

The game was a scrappy affair, with the opening chance falling to Seanna McCann in the seventh minute, her shot held comfortably by The Whites’ goalkeeper.

The game continued with an exchange of half-chances at either end, but nothing of real note until the 35th minute, when Darcy Cartwright got a cross in across the face of goal, but a rising Abby Bevan couldn’t quite reach the end of it.

It wasn’t until the 44th minute that Harriers were awarded a penalty after Phoebe Hill was brought down in the box. Amber Lawrence stepped up and converted, giving Harriers the lead heading into the interval.

Five minutes into the second half saw Harriers double their advantage through Beth Grady who, after various shots within the box were blocked, managed to get the final touch to roll it over the line.

This began a very positive spell of play for Harriers, with Lincoln looking to respond through a shot hit straight at goalkeeper Daisy Jenkins, who saved comfortably.

Harriers came agonisingly close to a third in the 59th minute, as a ball across the face of goal from Lucy Pugh was missed by the black shirts in the box. One minute later, however, McCann sealed the third for Harriers from close range.

Lincoln once again looked for a response, with their striker taking aim from a corner, but McCann was able to block and clear it off the line.

Senna Robinson made her long-awaited return following injury last season, coming on in the 68th minute before hitting the crossbar just 30 seconds later. It was then a Robinson free kick in the 81st minute, delivered into the box, with Tayte Shakespeare coming close but unable to connect.

Chances for Harriers followed in the 83rd and 84th minute through McCann and Robinson respectively, before Beth Grady sealed the fourth of the game, and her second, with a close-range finish.

An injury-time save by Jenkins ensured Harriers kept their clean sheet to see out a 4-0 win. The victory moves the Reds up to ninth place and four points clear of the relegation zone with four games remaining.

Report by Milja Stevenson.

---

---