After their 7-2, 1st round demolition of Vauxhall, Blues were rewarded with a trip to the Wirral to face Cheshire FA Ladies Challenge Cup holders, Tranmere Rovers of the North West Women's Regional Premier Division.
Despite their lowly league position, Blues were relishing the task ahead. The game started in bright sunshine but with a swirling wind. There was nothing to choose between the teams in the opening 15 minutes as both sides created goal-scoring opportunities with the game being played end-to-end; there being no 'fear-factor' amongst the Blues players. As the half wore on, the Blues were forced to defend from deep positions as Tranmere used their wide players to great effect, but the defence of Rachael Evans, Emma Armstrong, Eva Pass and Naomie Pitts absorbed everything that was thrown at them, winning possession and launching Blues onto the attack with quick breakaways, utilising the pace of Clare Lee and Rachel Taylor in particular, supported by Taylor Rowe and Charlotte Taylor in the central midfield roles. With every player contributing to the team's performance, Tranmere were limited to only two shots on target, one of which was acrobatically tipped over the bar by the in-form Fran Singleton in Blues goal. Blues almost took the lead on 30 minutes when Rachael Evans struck a free-kick into the penalty-area, although Charlotte Taylor's goal-bound header was saved by the keeper, she managed to collect the rebound but her shot agonisingly deflected off a defender for a corner. Half-time, 0-0.
Tranmere increased the tempo at the start of the 2nd-half but Blues continued to defend as a unit, again limiting the Rovers forwards to speculative efforts from distance, which were easily plucked out of the air by keeper Singleton. Blues weathered the storm and gradually increased in confidence, half-time substitute Vicky Brown linked well down the left with Amy Broadhurst, who was now seeing more of the ball since switching to striker from left wing, one particular attack saw her receive a through-ball from Clare Lee, which put her goal-side of the defender but her shot swirled in the wind over the bar with the keeper well-beaten. At the other end, Vicky Brown somehow managed to prevent Tranmere taking the lead by stopping a goal-bound shot on the goal-line despite facing the goal, before calmly turning and dribbling the ball out of the penalty area, much to the astonishment of everyone, spectators and players alike!
With the clock counting down, and the prospect of extra-time looming, Blues continued to battle despite the heavy pitch having taken its toll on tired legs, especially from having to defend for long-periods in the final 20 minutes, even the forwards, Sally Craven and Amy Broadhurst had dropped deep to support the midfield as Blues sought to take the match into extra-time, but it was not to be as, following yet another clearance, the ball fell kindly to an unmarked Tranmere forward who took her chance well and placed the ball beyond the outstretched arms of the keeper to take them into the quarter—final with less than 10 seconds remaining! Full-time, 1-0
The holders can consider themselves fortunate, as their grasp on the trophy seemed to be slipping thanks to a solid, resilient performance from every Blues player. Now the Blues must concentrate on improving their league position to avoid relegation, but if they can build on this performance, who would dare bet against a top four finish?
Photo: Another excellent save from Fran Singleton.
