By Jeff Burnige at Stonebridge Road
In new manager Ted Jones’ first L&SERWFL Premier Division game, Millwall Lionesses staged a superb comeback from 3-0 down after 34 minutes to draw 3-3 with Ebbsfleet United Women in Gravesend last weekend.
Grace Seely returned to the starting line-up in midfield, and Jones chose youngster Billy Burgess to deputise at centre-back for the injured club captain Jordan Butler.
Fleet built their early lead with two goals from Lydia Wills and a stunning 30-yard strike from winger Mya Powell.
On 42 minutes, Elise Jennings reduced the arrears with a quite brilliant goal, which lifted the Millwall team. Receiving a lovely pass from Ciara Watling, Jennings cut in from the right, beat two defenders and smashed a left-foot shot into the far corner.
Fleet were stunned when Watling then shot through the home keeper’s legs to make it 3-2 before the interval.
This proved a crucial boost to the Lionesses, and they had the better of the second half, though they always looked vulnerable to Ebbsfleet corners.
Jones used all five substitutes as the half wore on. Millwall were pressing for an equaliser and it was two of them who eventually created and scored the goal which completed the comeback.
Maisie Joyce played a great pass in behind the defence and Clemmie Young used her pace to reach it and slot into the far corner.
There was still time for a good shout for a penalty when Chloe Francis was pulled down, but the point gained was welcome. Millwall had lost 3-0 to the same opposition the previous week in the Adobe FA Women’s Cup, so this was a very encouraging step forward for Jones and his coaching staff.
This Sunday, Millwall host Sutton United in the league at St Paul’s, when they will be aiming for their first win of the season. Kick-off in Rotherhithe is 1.30pm.
