Victory in Montpellier!

The opening exchanges in midfield were intense, but it took a while for either side to truly threaten going forward. The first chance of the game fell to Ève Perisset, whose free kick ended up in the keeper's hands (5’). Next up was Khadija Shaw, who danced round two defenders only to be tackled by the goalkeeper, who came off her line well (9’). Back up the other end, Anna Moorhouse had her first taste of action from a Montpellier corner. A glancing header ended up at the feet of a Montpellier player, but she was unable to get a shot away (11’). In the 15th minute Maelle Garbino fired off a promising shot on the turn, but the MHSC keeper pulled off a terrific diving save to punch it our for a corner. The set piece came to nothing.

The hosts then enjoyed a brief spell of dominance, but the Bordeaux defence held out well. A counter attack was soon underway courtesy of Claire Lavogez, who swung in a cross towards Khadija Shaw that was tantalisingly out of reach (34’). A few minutes later the first yellow card of the afternoon was shown to Ella Palis (40’). Montpellier dominated for spells in this first half, but never really succeeded in putting Anna Moorhouse under pressure. Nil-nil at half time.

After the break, Ghoutia Karchouni took to the field in place of Ella Palis.  When Khadija Shaw was hauled down just outside the box, the ensuing free kick saw a sumptuous strike from Maëlle Garbino which the Montpellier keeper did very well to stop (49’). Claire Lavogez went charging down the right flank, slipping her marker and firing in a cross-cum-shot which the keeper caught (50’). The Girondines' keeper was also busy, stopping multiple attacks (53’, 55’, 60’, 61’) and even getting a little help from the woodwork (64’). Bordeaux made two more substitutions, with Delphine Chatelin making way for Estelle Cascarino, who marked her 80th career appearance in D1. Julie Dufour, meanwhile, made her 40th appearance in the top flight, coming on to replace Claire Lavogez. (69’)

Khadija Shaw finally gave Girondines the lead in the 76th minute! The striker chested the ball down before slotting her shot between the goalkeeper's legs for her 31st goal of the season. The Jamaican star is now the top goalscorer in the club's history! Anna Moorhouse played a major role in protecting this slender lead, diving fearlessly to stop a late shot and colliding with Julie Thibaud in the process. (90’) The referee finally blew up after three minutes of stoppage time, sealing another victory for Bordeaux. 1-0 to the Girondines, thanks yet again to Khadija Shaw.