Stockport County Ladies booked their place in the final of the Cheshire Cup for the third season running on Sunday afternoon, capping off a brilliant seven days for Steve O’Hara’s side.
Having beaten FC United of Manchester 2-0 in front of a record crowd at Edgeley Park the previous weekend, County then backed that up with a hard-fought midweek win over Chorley at Stockport Sports Village.
Attention then turned to a cup semi-final, as O’Hara looks to secure his first piece of silverware as County boss. The gaffer takes us through proceedings:
“We welcomed Crewe Alexandra to SSV on Sunday in the semi-final of the Cheshire cup. We met at the same stage of the competition last year and ran out 6-0 winners.
“We were coming of the back of a busy week with the great day we had at Edgeley Park on Sunday and also a midweek game against Chorley, so it was safe to say the girls would be feeling the workload on Sunday.
“We started the game well and straight away controlled possession and that would be the pattern of the game. The first half chances were few and far between, with any shots coming from distance and straight into the keepers’ arms.
“Crewe set in a low block and made it really difficult for us to get behind them. At half time, a little strong word or two was had about our tempo, as we felt that would be how we would unlock them.
“Early in the second half, an effort from Captain Kenedy Owen caught the ‘keeper out, the ball fumbled into the back of the net.
“Having got the breakthrough, we quickly set about trying to get another goal. We made some changes that gave us a bit of energy, but credit to our visitors – they had their game plan and where sticking to it well.
“Late on in the game we cleared a set piece and Jess Gillin picked up the ball just inside our half, running the rest of the way before slotting the ball through the keeper’s legs to seal the win.
“It was by no means our best performance, but I have to say that Crewe were very well organised and disciplined, and have made huge strides since we last played them.
“But for us it’s a third final in a row, and we are hoping that this year will be our year to lift the Women’s Cheshire Cup – it’s definitely our number one priority now.
Finally, a big mention to the the 110 supporters that turned up on the day – that’s the third game in a row we have got over 100 people to watch the girls, which is absolutely fantastic, so thank you to everyone that came.”
