Lions stand in way of Southam cup glory

Saints dominated the opening exchanges with Claire Woodcock and Liz Beard both spurning chances.

They got the breakthrough they were looking for in the 24th minute when good work from Laura Condon and Katie Moore released Bex Clarke, whose deflected shot from the edge of the box squirmed past the home keeper.

Walsall came back into the game and, two minutes into first-half injury time, levelled with a long-range effort that looped over Southam keeper Mia Graham.

Saints came out for the second half in determined mood and dominated proceedings.

The match-winning goal came in the 64th minute when Nic Thorne found Beard in space 25 yards out. In one movement, Beard spun and sent a looping effort that seemed to take an age before it found the Walsall net.

Manager Lee Constable was delighted with the result, saying: “To beat a side like Walsall shows how much progress we have made over the last three seasons.”

Leamington Lions reached the final after a 2-0 win over Coventry Development.

Lions started tentatively on the small pitch, but were soon into their stride.

Steph Jones was first to test the Coventry keeper with a fierce shot which was tipped over the bar.

Sigourney Gowlett was the next player to be denied.

As the pressure intensified, Morris went one-on-one with the overworked stopper, who did well to block her goalbound effort.

At the other end, Lucy Gardner had to be alert to prevent Coventry breaking the deadlock.

Finally, Morris found a way through for Lions, drilling the ball under the keeper for a 1-0 interval lead.

With their confidence swelled by the goal, Lions dominated the second period.

A Jones corner was whipped in and the ball was deflected home to double Leamington’s advantage.

Gowlett was unlucky to see her drive clear the bar after good link-up play with Jones before Coventry pushed three up front to try and force their way back into the game.

However, Angie Wiffen and Carly Nevin, who were both returning from long-term injuries, ensured their was no way through a resolute Lions defence.