Stockport County Ladies produced a stunning second-half display on Sunday afternoon, battling back from 2-0 down at Chorley to secure their place in the Women’s FA Cup.
Steve O’Hara’s side were looking to bounce back from a difficult afternoon away at Barnsley last time out, but at half-time looked as if they would be exiting the cup early this season after conceding twice in the first 45.
But the team came roaring back in the second half to secure their place in the first round proper, thanks to a late winner from Maria Figueiredo.
Manager Steve O’Hara reflects on an important win for his side:
“Being involved in the FA Cup is always an honour, and it is quite rightly described as the greatest competition in the world.
“We went to Chorley on the back of a disappointing defeat away at Barnsley, so we wanted to bounce back with a win.
“We started the game really well and created two or three really good chances, getting in behind the host’s defence, but we just couldn’t find the killer touch.

“The game was end-to-end, and Chorley were a real threat on the counter-attack. A mistake at the back when playing out presented Chorley with the first goal in the first-half – a stray pass straight to the Chorley player, who took one touch then fired home from the edge of the area.
“We dusted ourselves down and took control of the game again and played some really good stuff from that point, creating numerous chances but without finding that equaliser.
“Chorley then hit us on the counter again just before the break, doubling their lead when we failed to cut out a cross from the right and their player smashed it in at the back post.
“We spoke at half-time about the final ball, and just upping the tempo to make use of our pace as they were playing quite a high line.
“The girls were confident they could get back into the game, and that the next goal would be crucial.
“We got at them straight away and we were rewarded ten minutes into the second half. It came from good build-up play after a press, with a neat one-two between Levi Rathburn and Kenzie Bentley finished off by Levi, who calmly slotted past the ‘keeper. Game on!

“We made a change and brought Maria Figueiredo on for Kenzie, as we felt the pace of Maz would be a real weapon.
“With her first touch she hit a shot towards goal which hit the defender’s hand, and we were awarded a penalty. Up stepped skipper, Kenedy Owen and she smashed it past the ‘keeper for 2-2.
From that point it felt like just a matter of time, as the hosts barely got into our half. We pressed for the winner and good saves from the Chorley ‘keeper were the only thing keeping us at bay.
“Two minutes from the end, Lizzy Hamer in centre-midfield tried to play a ball through for Jess which cannoned off the defender straight into Maz’s path, and she finished superbly to the ‘keeper’s left to win the game for us.
“What a turnaround from the girls. We showed character and determination to get the result against a really good Chorley side.
“We now go into the First Round proper of this year’s competition with a game against Mancunian Unity, who knocked out fellow FAWNL side Leeds United in the last round. This will be another really difficult game for us but one we are looking forward too.”
Cover photo provided by Andrew Machin.