This weekend, County Ladies’ attention turned to the Women’s FA Cup with a game against York Railway Institute Ladies away from home, in a difficult fixture against a side unbeaten in their league.
On a brisk November afternoon, County looked to begin their second FA Cup fixture of the season on the front foot.
The first half ended 0-0, however the game was dominated by County, with a goal the only thing missing from the opening half. The best chance of the half fell to Kenzie Bentley, who floated the ball into the box, but she was unable to convert the chance.
The second half saw County mount on the pressure in search of victory, with patience a key aspect of the game.
It was the substitute, Emily Bradshaw who finally broke the deadlock and gave County the lead, after nodding home a corner in the 69th minute; the goal giving County confidence in the final stretch of the game.
Jess Gillin doubled the lead just five minutes later, after a counter-attack saw Gillin one on one against York Goalkeeper Edgar, and she calmly slotted the chance past the opposition.
In the 85th minute, Gillin scored her second of the game to put the game to bed, and guarantee progression in the cup for County.
Post- Match, Manager Steve O’Hara gave his thoughts on the result:
“It was a difficult game on a heavy pitch and we had to dig deep for large periods of the game. That is credit to our hosts, who were well organised and very difficult to break down.
“We kept at it and again for the second week running, it was the changes that made the difference in the game. That’s why we’re in this run, because of the togetherness of the players, and when players come on they make a difference.”
“I am absolutely delighted to have progressed and look forward to the draw on Monday dinner time.”
The draw for the second round took place earlier on Monday, with Steve O’Hara’s side drawn away at Stoke City. Stoke are currently 6th in the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier Division, the league above County, and will provide a good test as we seek to reach the third round.
Report written by Phoebe McHugh.
