County Ladies were once again in Cup action last weekend, and faced a tough test against FAWNL Northern Premier Division side Stoke City at Stockport Sports Village. Find out how they got on in our latest weekly update.
Winning run comes to an end despite strong showing…
It was League Cup time at Stockport Sports Village on Sunday. After getting past Peterborough with an extra-time goal in the first round, we faced Stoke City FC Women from the division above us, for the chance to progress in the competition.
Having made a slow start against lower league opponents last week, the players weren’t going to be complacent against a Stoke side sitting fifth in the FAWNL Northern Premier Division. The opening exchanges were very equal with both teams playing some excellent football. County had several chances on goal, but they were either wide of the target or too close to Stoke’s ‘keeper. It looked as though the match would be goalless at the break, but with just five minutes to go Stoke scored from a corner, the ball coming off the shoulder of a Stoke player to sneak in at the bottom corner.
County were still very much in the game, but within five minutes of the restart Stoke doubled their lead. County kept trying to find an opening but Stoke were in the ascendancy and their superior fitness started to show as they began to dominate possession. There were still some good chances for the home side with Em Bradshaw going closest after a solo run from midfield. Steve O’Hara brought on fresh legs up front in Kenzie Bentley and Ella Ritchie, but Stoke’s defence held firm.
After the match Steve O’Hara was philosophical about the result and pleased with the way the player’s had risen to challenge their higher placed opponents:
“Really pleased with the application of the players. I thought we were on top in first half but just couldn’t find the breakthrough. We had a game plan and executed it really well, but if you don’t score against good teams when you’re on top, they punish you!
“Two goals either side of half-time made it difficult for us, we did still create enough chances, but without hitting the target, and that, ultimately, was the difference in the game.
“All-in-all, very pleased with the girls. It was a bit of a free hit for us to see where we’re at and we certainly didn’t do ourselves any harm.”
Next…
We are back in action at Stockport Sports Village this weekend, as we play Merseyrail Ladies FC hoping to maintain our league form and secure a fifth straight win in the competition.
The game was originally due to be played away from home, but has now been switched to SSV due to Merseyrail’s pitch being deemed unplayable.
Elsewhere…
Our Under 18s continued their good recent form with a 6-2 win away to Glenavon JFC on the Wirral. They now sit third in the Cheshire Women’s and Youth Football League, Youth Division.
