CULLEN KEEPS LEICESTER ON TOP

by Patrick Rowley 17 October 2009

Olympic defender Crista Cullen scored her second goal in successive matches since returning from a long spell in Africa to ensure Leicester maintained their 100 per cent record in the England Women’s League.

Leicester were 2-0 home winners over struggling Clifton.

Leicester and Cullen were frustrated for a long time by Clifton’s brilliant young goalkeeper Gemma Ible.

Cullen eventually powered a drag flick past her in the 42nd minute and Rebecca Herbert immediately added a second with a smart reverse stick shot.

Olton remained two points adrift of Leicester with a 2-0 home win over Brooklands Poynton. Rachel Walker (penalty stroke) and Scottish lass Emma Rochlin scored.

Promoted Reading moved up to third, twice coming from behind to win 3-2 at Canterbury.

South Africa will play New Zealand in today’s final of the Women’s Champions Challenge in Cape Town with the winner taking part in next year’s Champions Trophy at Nottingham.

Copy for Sunday Express 18 October 2009