Focus turned to the Women’s FA Cup at Stockport Sports Village on Sunday afternoon, as Steve O’Hara’s in-form Ladies side looked to keep their winning streak going against Altofts. Find out how they got on in our latest weekly update.
FA Cup victory makes it a double winning weekend for County!
After a very successful League run over the last month, it was time to see if County Ladies could carry their good form into the Vitality Women’s FA Cup.
We had a home draw against Altofts Ladies FC form the NE Regional League and were favourites to go through against a team from a lower division.
As is often the case in the FA Cup however, the first half didn’t quite go according to the script! A pumped-up Altofts side scored after ten minutes, and County never really settled into the game – cue an important half-time team talk…
Steve O’Hara’s words at half-time had the desired effect and County were much sharper after the break. A superb strike from Em Bradshaw, earning her the Player of the Match award, levelled the score, before goals from Maria Figueiredo and Kenzie Bentley put the tie to bed.
After the match Steve O’Hara was pleased, and slightly relieved, to have got through to the next round.
“A tough test against a decent and physical side. Credit to Altofts, they set out with a game plan and in the first-half we weren’t good enough.
“We spoke at half time about moving the ball more quickly and being more aggressive in everything we did. Soon enough you could see them tiring and then we began to really take charge of the second-half.
“A fabulous goal by Em Bradshaw got us back in the game and we kept pushing until we grabbed another from Maria following a corner. Kenzie finished the game off by lobbing their keeper when they were pushing forward.”
“All in all, through to the next round – not without some butterflies – but that the FA Cup for you!”
Opponents confirmed for the Second Round…
Having reached the First Round proper with that win, we have now been drawn to face Penrith AFC Ladies of the North West Regional Women’s League in the next round.
We will be the home side for this cup tie, which is due to be played on Sunday 13th November. Keep an eye out on our social media channels for more information on this game!
Next up…
We face another big cup tie next weekend, as we host Stoke City in the League Cup on Sunday 30th October. Kick-off at Stockport Sports Village is at 2pm – with County fans welcome as always to come and show your support!
