A Kerys Harrop header 17 minutes from time maintained Birmingham City’s 100% record in the FA Women’s Super League at the DCS Stadium.
The Blues came up against a resilient Lincoln side in Stratford, but Harrop’s header from a Jo Potter corner sees them stay of the table after a workmanlike performance.
David Parker’s side made the stronger start, as they were looking to expose a shaky Lincoln defence, and Karen Carney almost handed them the lead after seven minutes.
The 23-year-old found space on the edge of the box, but her powerful shot narrowly drifted over the visitors’ bar.
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Birmingham continued to press and it was the inform Williams who almost took advantage of a strong Blues start. The England International broke into the box, and from 12 yards out, the striker forced Kay Hawke in the Lincoln goal, to tip her header on to the bar.
However, the Blues almost found themselves behind in the 22nd minute. Carla Cantrell was unmarked in Birmingham’s six yard box but the forward blasted her effort over.
As the Lady Imps were growing with confidence, the first period turned into an intriguing battle, with Williams causing the Lincoln defence all sorts of problems, while the away side looked dangerous on the break.
Williams drew Hawke into yet another fine save from the edge of the area, then moments before the interval Dunia Susi headed inches wide after a mix up in the Imps defence.
The action somewhat dried up after the break, with Birmingham running out of ideas going forward, due to a stubborn Lincoln defence.
Williams and Carney tried their best to stamp their mark on the game, but the visitors were having none of it.
With the game looking set to end goalless, Potter sent in a delightful corner on 73 minutes, and Harrop did the rest from close range.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing for the home side as they endured a nervy final ten minutes.
Lincoln’s Megan Harris shot saw her shot drift just over Marie Hourihan’s goal, then with three minutes to play; Cantrell missed a sitter from six yards out.
The Blues managed to hold out for a morale boosting victory ahead of their top of the table clash at Arsenal on Thursday evening.
Paddy Day, The FA WSL reporter
Sportsister, The Women’s Sports Magazine
Image credit: The FA via Getty Images
