West Bromwich Albion survived an almighty FA WNL Cup scare as four goals were scored in extra-time of their thrilling first-round win over Northampton Town.
The Northern Premier Division outfit, who have won three of their last four league games, took the lead thanks to Simran Jhamat’s flying header early in the second half.
Town, who ply their trade in Division One Midlands, twice hauled themselves level when Amber Pearson scrambled the ball home on 81 minutes and again in extra-time when Mia Richards cancelled out Ellie May’s 94th-minute strike.
Northampton’s Jade Bell thought she had settled the tie with a poacher’s effort but Jhamat struck again and the Baggies won the shootout 3-2.
“We didn’t deserve that outcome,” said Northampton joint manager Josh Oldfield, “but we executed the game plan really well and the girls were exceptional.”
Elsewhere, Division One South East’s Real Bedford scored twice in the last 20 minutes to come from behind and claim the scalp of Southern Premier Division’s Gwalia United.
Holders Hashtag United began their title defence with a confident 3-0 victory at the expense of Plate winners Derby County.
Northern Premier Division leaders Nottingham Forest were put through their paces by lower-ranking Cheadle Town Stingers.
The home side, playing in front of a record crowd, held the high-fliers at bay for 81 minutes when Sophie Domingo struck and came close to a late leveller through Issy Dean.
Similarly, Burnley were given a stern examination by Sutton Coldfield Town of the division below with only a first-half own goal separating the sides.
Cole’s world as Feds advance
Emily Cole’s early strike helped Liverpool Feds to a dominant 1-0 win over highly-flying divisional rivals Rugby Borough, who were reduced to ten in the first half.
A stunning 25-yarder from Millie Bell and Ellen Turnbull’s cooly-taken chip helped Middlesbrough ease past Leeds United 2-0 in an all-Division One North tussle.
“We’re gathering momentum,” said Boro manager Mick Mulhern. “We’re still forming partnerships and getting used to each other, so this is exactly what we wanted.”
Ipswich eased past Southern Premier Division rivals Exeter 3-1 thanks to strikes from Ella Rutherford, Angela Addison and Isabella Fisher, the latter’s first goal for the club.
“I am delighted to progress in the competition,” said manager Joe Sheehan. “It was an improvement on our performance in our previous visit to Exeter which is what I wanted to see.”
16 seal Plate progression
There were 16 first-round ties in the Plate, too, and a number of landmark performances.
Fourth-tier Norwich City outmuscled third-tier MK Dons 3-2 thanks to two goals from Lara Densley.
Erin Nicholson and Daisy Clarke were the heroes as Durham Cestria had too much for Sporting Khalsa from the division above.
Loughborough Lightning turned up the heat in extra-time, scoring three to run out 4-1 winners having drawn 1-1 with Norton and Stockton Ancients in normal time.
Stockport County claimed an impressive 2-1 win over a Liverpool Academy side and Wolves saw off the threat of Division One North side AFC Fylde with a 3-0 triumph.
There were three games in the league with Jodie Snelson’s treble firing Barnsley past Lincoln City 5-0 in Division One Midlands.
Rianne Bourne-Hallett’s brace saw Bristol Rovers to a 3-0 win over Southampton while London Bees and AFC Sudbury played out a goalless draw.
Be the first to comment