Steve O’Hara’s County Ladies side secured their place in the semi-finals of the Ladies Cheshire Cup once again on Sunday afternoon, winning 3-1 away at rivals Tranmere Rovers.
The two sides have come up against each other in the final of the competition in each of the last two seasons, with Tranmere winning both games on penalties, but it proved third time lucky this time round on a satisfying afternoon for the Hatters.
Manager Steve O’Hara takes us through the game:
“The Cheshire Cup has somewhat eluded us for the past two season, and at the hands of Tranmere on both occasions, so a quarter-final draw instead of a final put it in a different perspective.
“We started the game brightly and controlled possession before deservedly taking the lead on 15 minutes, when a long range effort from Levi Rathburn found the top corner – leaving the keeper no chance from about 35 yards out.
“I thought we would then settle nicely in to our rythm, but our host rallied and really started to come at us. They got back level when some sloppy play on the edge of our box gifted them the ball, with a deflection beating Faye in to the roof of the net.
“We were definitely on the back foot for a good 15 minutes in that time, as Tranmere came close again – hitting the bar, with the ball bouncing clear and away from danger.
“That seemed to wake us up a bit, and on the stroke of half-time a sweeping move from back to front released Rathburn again, who calmly lifted the ball over the onrushing keeper to make it 2-1 at the break.
“We spoke about non-tactical things at half-time as I felt we weren’t doing ourselves justice in some areas, and that was a real catalyst as within two minutes of the second half starting we were 3-1 up, with Kenzie Bentley finding the corner after some good pressing and winning it high up the pitch.
“From that point on we totally dominated the game, and but for the woodwork on more than a couple of occasions the margin of victory would have been far greater.
“It was great to see the response from the girls after half-time and we showed why we are a league above our opponents, with Faye making it through the second half without having to make a single save.
“Overall, a very pleasing win having lost the previous two meeting with them, albeit on penalties on both occasions. We now wait to see who our semi final opponents will be in the next few days, and are hoping to go one better than runners up this year.
“Once again, thanks to the fans who travelled over to see us on Sunday – it really means so much to us to have your support.
“We have a quick turnaround this week also, with a game against second place Barnsley away on Tuesday night. We can now go there with confidence and I feel we can definitely pick up another three points.”
