Penalty pain for Billericay Town ladies at Lowestoft

A disputed penalty late in the game put the Suffolk side in the driving seat in the Eastern Region Premier Division match.

“I was disappointed for my players as I felt that they deserved something from the game,” she said.

“Unfortunately officials’ decisions can change a game so quickly.

“Lowestoft admitted this was the best game they have played this season which is a testament to my players and us as a club.

“We had the opportunities today but the luck of the green wasn’t with us on the pitch and with the decisions made.”

Billericay started the match well but an early subsitution by the hosts paid dividends when the replacement forced a save out of Town goalkeeper Michelle Bridgeman and then smashed rebound into the net in the 20th minute with the defence ball-watching.

The visitors got on terms in the 35th minute when Sophie Whiting’s corner was cleared to the edge of the box where Vanessa Wilson drove the ball through a crowded box to score.

Lowestoft responded by forcing a good save from Bridgeman before the defence failed to clear their lines in the 38th minute and the hosts scored to regain the lead.

Billericay started the second half with Fran Lainsey firing just wide before but a strong tackle from a Billericay defender resulted in Lowestoft scoring from the penalty spot for a 3-1 lead. Coster’s side created problems from the restart and were rewarded in the 57th minute when Whiting teed up Marie Barker, who beat two central dedenders before chipping the advancing goalkeeper.

With their confidence boosted, Billericay pushed for another goal but shipped a fourth in the 82nd minute when the ball hit a Town player’s shoulder and the referee awarded Lowestoft a second penalty which was scored.

Billericay did not give up and forced some good saves out of the home keeper but could not reduce the goal deficit.

Coster’s team still have five games left to play, starting with Leverstock Green at New Lodge on Sunday at 2pm.