Millwall Lionesses saw off the challenge of Northern Division opponents Leicester City with a three-goal burst in ten minutes either side of half time in their F.A Women’s Cup Fourth Round tie at Blaby. 
 
After a bright first half for both teams, a scrambled goal a minute before the break was a blow for the foxes as they never really got to grips with the lively Lionesses attack. The second period saw two quick strikes which settled the contest in the Lionesses favour. Millwall could easily have added more but for the woodwork which denied them on three further occasions.
 
On a pitch which showed no adverse effects from the recent severe weather, Leicester opened brightly, moving the ball around and feeding their lively front duo of Maz Gauntlett and Hannah Smith. Only an excellent Meghan McKeag tackle denied Smith as she shaped to shoot in the 15th minute and the same player curled a shot just wide from the edge of the area on 27 minutes.
 
However, the visitors were starting to find space on the right where Leah Jones had an effective game. Jones crossed for Ann-Marie Heatherson to place a header just wide on 29 minutes and then Heatherson struck the angle of post and bar from distance.
 
Both teams played attractive passing football in an even half, where just before the break Victoria Boardman gave the lionesses the lead from close range after the home side failed to clear from a corner.
 
The crucial second goal was scored within two minutes of the restart. A low right wing cross from Leah Jones bounced awkwardly in front of Leanne Hall who parried the ball straight to Ann-Marie Heatherson to tap home a simple finish.
 
The home side nearly reduced the lead immediately as a corner saw Claire Lacey push the ball on to the post and the rebound just evaded the Foxes attack. The value of cool finishing was emphasised though on 54 minutes when another right wing cross from Jones caused confusion in the home defence and Heatherson slotted home after Natasha Meade had blocked her initial effort on the line.
 
Millwall's back four displayed a defensive master class for the home forwards in the second half, which also saw an array of chances come the way of the Lionesses in the last half hour. Lindsey Morgan hit the bar twice, once with a long range shot and then with a near post header from a corner. Leanne Hall made two fine saves from the ever dangerous Heatherson, who also set up sub Angela Kiobel to shoot over from six yards as Millwall finished the stronger team.
 
Millwall will have a wait to see which of three potential opponents await them in the fifth round - Preston North End, Liverpool or Chelsea. The lionesses take a break this weekend but return to league action on the 31^st January 2010 where they face Blackburn Rovers at Beckenham Town FC.
 
Millwall Lionesses: Claire Lacey, Dionne Lennon, Meghan McKeag, Emma Beckett (Lizzie Edwards), Sarah Jones, Sinead Boyer, Leah Jones (Angela Kiobel), Victoria Boardman, Ann Marie Heatherson, Lindsey Morgan, Lauren Philllips (Charlotte Gurr). Subs: Jordan Butler,