Beth Curtis

Barnet FC Ladies 2 Millwall Lionesses 1
FA Women's Premier League Southern Division
Sunday 20 August 2006
At Hanwell Town FC

Barnet FC Ladies returned to the FA Women's Premier League with a win against highly fancied Millwall Lionesses. Beth Curtis scored twice for the Bees, either side of half time, to earn her side all three points from a 2-1 win.

Bees Manager Tracey Kevins included three new signings in her starting line up: Vicky Elcome, Ann Harvey and Claire Thomas, all three of whom had outstanding debuts.

Barnet, who were promoted back to the Premier League at the end of last season after a two-year absence, began the match as if they had never been away.

Beth Curtis had a half chance to give the Bees the lead after six minutes but could not connect cleanly. Minutes later Leanne Small found Katie O'Donoghue on the left hand side with an inch perfect pass. O'Donoghue delivered a teasing cross to the far post, but the advancing Davina Smith was inches away to providing the touch that would have given the Bees the lead.

Millwall began to exert some pressure themselves. Jess Devoti was forced into two fine saves, the first a reaction save from a close range effort from Claire Williams and the second a full length one handed save from Kelly Campbell.

Barnet left back Clare Stevens went close with a long-range effort before the Bees took the lead shortly before half time.

After 42 minutes Beth Curtis dispossessed a Millwall defender just outside her penalty area and delivered an exquisite chip from the right hand side of the penalty area over Krissie Glover in the Millwall goal and into the far corner of the net.

At half time Barnet lost captain Charlie Herson with a knee injury and Cerrie Byrne replaced her at right back.

Barnet increased the lead after 48 minutes. Beth Curtis' mazy run into the penalty area was ended when a Millwall defender brought her down. The referee had no hesitation in awarding Barnet a penalty and Curtis coolly converted from the spot.

The Bees introduced two new debutants as Louisa Richards and Lynda Brown replaced Davina Smith and Claire Thomas.The striker Richards almost made a dream start to her Barnet career when she blasted narrowly wide from 18 yards.

Millwall pressed hard to get back in the game and put the Barnet defence under extreme pressure. Claire Rafferty's glancing header brushed off the cross bar. After 81 minutes, Millwall reduced the arrears to a single goal when substitute Christina Douglas tapped in at the far post.

The visitors pressed hard for an equaliser. Kelly Campbell was first to a corner but saw her header go agonizingly wide. Barnet continued to defend doggedly and hung on to record their first three points of the season.

Barnet Team: Jess Devoti; Charlotte Herson (Cerrie Byrne 45), Vicky Elcome, Katie Wicka, Clare Stevens; Davina Smith (Lynda Brown 68), Ann Harvey, Claire Thomas (Louisa Richards 68), Katie O'Donoghue; Leanne Small, Beth Curtis.

Substitutes (not used): Amy Murphy, Nina Welsman.

Goalscorer: Beth Curtis (42, 48 (pen))

Next Sunday 27^th August Barnet FC Ladies are at home to Reading Royals in the Preliminary Round of the FA Women's Premier League Cup.