Foxes prevail but Reds' pride intact after fine FA Cup encounter - The Redditch Standard

Foxes prevail but Reds' pride intact after fine FA Cup encounter

Redditch Editorial 16th Nov, 2017   0

REDDITCH United Ladies’ superb SSE Women’s FA Cup journey came to an end in the first round proper on Sunday, but not before higher ranked Loughborough Foxes were given a scare.

A Trico Stadium crowd of more than 200 watched the Leicestershire side – who play two levels above the Reds – progress into the second round in which they will visit Blackburn Rovers, but Gary Barrell’s players emerged with huge credit.

The FA Women’s Premier Midlands League leaders dominated possession in the early stages but rarely threatened against a Reds side who had won three matches to reach this stage.

However, the Foxes’ leading scorer Chloe Young then struck twice in quick succession just past the half hour mark to put the visitors in charge – the first from the edge of the box as she rolled the ball into the bottom corner and the second with another pinpoint strike into the top corner.




The hosts showed tremendous character and deservedly hauled themselves back into contention in fine style with 20 minutes remaining when Sofi Liperis volleyed the ball over Foxes keeper Amy Burle into the far corner.

However, before Redditch were able to use that momentum, they soon found themselves two goals adrift again due to a Foxes player not being tracked and being given an open shot at goal which flew into the top corner with an unstoppable strike.


Still the hosts hit back and Sam Berry linked well with Ellie Gerhold, only for the former to be denied by a full-stretch save.

The Foxes then made it 4-1 with just over ten minutes remaining but Redditch were not content to roll over and scored again when Erin Ridden slid Gerhold in on goal and she finished past the onrushing Foxes keeper.

A frantic finale looked likely with five minutes remaining when the Reds won a penalty as Gerhold was brought down just inside the area, but, with the offender very lucky to stay on the pitch, Mckenzie Karas’ spot kick struck the foot of the post.

Reds boss Barrell reflected: “The togetherness displayed by the team against experienced and well organised opposition further demonstrates what potential this group of players has to progress.

“Every single player should be proud of their performance after pushing their higher league opposition all the way to the wire.”

The Reds now face another team from the FA Women’s Premier Midlands League when they host Solihull Moors Ladies on Sunday in the Birmingham County FA Cup.

Redditch, who beat Moors Ladies 5-3 in the FA Cup third qualifying round, are second in West Midlands Division One South having won all six matches. Their next league game is at home to Coventry Development Ladies on November 26.

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