Captain fantastic Jo Williams fires Leverstock Green Ladies to victory

Kick-off was delayed by 15 minutes to allow players stuck in an earlier incident on the M1 to complete their journey.

While stand-in keeper Lucy Tape managed to make kick-off, it was 35 minutes into the first half before right-back Faye Potton arrived, to provide Levy with the full complement of 11 players.

Despite being a player down for the majority of the first half, Levy were well disciplined and resolute in holding the hosts at bay.

Following the introduction of Potton, the game steadily began to swing as Levy started to get a foothold in the match.

In the second half, captain and player of the match Jo Williams converted a Gemma Coggins corner to give Levy a somewhat surprise lead on the stroke of 65 minutes.

Williams received the ball on the edge of the box and coolly shifted it across her body and into space before bending it out of the keeper’s reach and into the top corner of the net.

In difficult conditions, Levy ladies were immense in defence with Steph Palfrey, Ellie Pickard, Heather Eaton and Potton putting in sterling performances to keep the hosts at bay.

Donna McAvoy was assured in attack and defence and provided a much needed physical presence across the park, while Tape was outstanding, making several top class saves to keep Green’s hopes of a win alive.

With 10 minutes left on the clock, Gemma Coggins landed awkwardly, twisting her neck, and the game was temporarily halted while she received emergency first aid.

Levy found themselves back down to 10 players, and Williams vitally cleared off the line with just a couple of minutes remaining to ensure Levy gained all three points against the table toppers.

Next up for Green is a home tie against Acle on Sunday as they look for a strong end to the season.