League Cup final awaits victorious Redditch United Ladies - The Redditch Standard

League Cup final awaits victorious Redditch United Ladies

Redditch Editorial 8th Mar, 2017 Updated: 8th Mar, 2017   0

REDDITCH United Ladies manager Gary Barrell was delighted to see his side reach the West Midlands Regional Women’s League Cup final, but paid tribute to opponents Stourbridge for their efforts in the semi-final.

The Reds emerged 3-0 victors at the Trico Stadium on Sunday but Barrell believes his side were pushed all the way by a Stourbridge team who could yet boost Redditch’s Division One South title hopes by taking points off title rivals Worcester United.

“Our players have worked tremendously hard all season, coming a very long way in a short space of time, and reaching the final is a deserved reward for them.

“It was a very tough game against a strong Stourbridge side who once again impressed me. They made life very difficult for us and we really needed that third goal until we could breathe a bit more easily.”




United, who won a five-goal league thriller 3-2 at Stourbridge in mid-December, were keen to impress in front of a crowd of more than 100 and took the lead midway through the first half when impressive debutant Sarah Kennedy whipped in a dangerous corner from the right and McKenzie Karas ghosted in at the back post to fire home.

An instinctive finish from the ever-willing Sofi Liperis gave the hosts a 2-0 lead at half time but the visitors had played their part in a keenly contested game.


Stourbridge’s industrious midfield trio and lively forwards continued to give their all, but the Reds finished the job late on when the pacy Becky Gompertz capped a fine display by cleverly working her way into the box and scoring with aplomb.

Despite the seemingly comfortable nature of the scoreline, the hosts were grateful for the efforts of captain and keeper Kirsty Grigg who made a couple of superb one-on-one saves and the rotating centre back partnership of Amy Kendall, Karas and Kellie Smith who helped to spring the attacking full backs Lucy Dovey and Lauren Pearson forwards to keep the Reds on the front foot.

Barrell added: “The players should be proud of their efforts so far this season, reaching a cup final after a very testing journey that has seen us encounter two of the strongest sides in the competition en route, current holders Worcester United and Stourbridge.”

Redditch will face one of Coventry Development, Solihull United or Rubery in the final at Stone Dominoes Football Club, Staffordshire, on Sunday, April 23 (2pm).

Transport will be available from the club and further details will follow.

The Reds remain a point above second placed Worcester having played two games more following the latter’s postponed match at Kenilworth Town on Sunday.

Barrell’s side return to league action on March 26 (2pm) when they visit Coventry Development.

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