REDDITCH United Ladies will have the honour of playing in the first round proper of the SSE Women’s FA Cup for the first time thanks to Sunday’s brilliant 5-2 victory over higher ranked Solihull Moors.
The visitors arrived at the Trico for the third qualifying round tie sitting pretty two levels above the Reds in the FA Women’s Premier League Midland Division, having won five of their six league games so far.
However, Gary Barrell’s West Midlands Division One South title hopefuls – having won all three league games so far – continued their own superb form with a majestic victory.
The hosts, boosted by the arrival of their new Volkswagen Trust Group UK (Redditch) sponsored kit, were met by a determined Moors side but the Reds got a grip in midfield and were rewarded when Sam Berry drove towards the box and fired a rasping strike into the net.
Moors attempted to attack from all angles but were met by stern resistance and a Reds side who were a constant menace on the counter-attack as they regularly committed players to the final third.
The hosts’ ruthlessness paid full dividends with three more goals within eight minutes before half time which left Moors with a mountain to climb.
Ellie Gerhold’s brace was followed by a thumping strike from the edge of the box by Sofi Liperis and the Reds had the first round proper in sight.
It became 5-0 shortly into the second half when Mayme Conroy finished coolly from the edge of the box, but Moors showed their pedigree and battled hard to pull two goals back midway through the second half.
However, there was no way back for the visitors and the Reds will be playing for £800 in prize money when they host current FA Women’s Premier League Midland Division leaders Loughborough Foxes in the first round on November 12 (2pm, free entry).
Clubs from the FA Women’s Premier League will join the competition in the second round, whilst FA Women’s Super League teams will enter in the fourth round.
The Reds, who had already beaten Stockingford AA Pavilion and Goldenhill Wanderers in the FA Cup, are also in knockout action on Sunday (2pm) when they entertain Solihull Sporting Vixens in the Birmingham Senior Women’s County Cup first round.
For more details about Volkswagen Trust Group UK, visit www.trustgroupuk.com.
