REDDITCH United Ladies will bid to book their place in the final of the West Midlands Regional Women’s League Cup when they take on Stourbridge at the Trico Stadium on Sunday (2pm, free entry).
An exciting encounter awaits against a Stourbridge side who were beaten 3-2 by Gary Barrell’s side on home soil in the league in December, following a 1-1 draw between the sides at Redditch in September.
United will go into the match in good spirits following Sunday’s 2-0 victory at Marston Green which kept them top of the Division One South table.
Midfielder Mckenzie Karas took her tally to seven goals in three games as she scored both goals, including a brilliant strike from just inside the hosts’ half which left the keeper stranded.
It has been a week to remember for the American, who has impressed so much that she been training with the Reds’ men’s first team to further enhance her game.
Despite the win, title rivals Worcester United remain just a point behind with two matches in hand after recovering from a 2-0 deficit to win 5-3 at third placed Droitwich and a victory for Worcester at Kenilworth Town on Sunday will put them top of the pile.
However, Barrell is focusing his attentions solely on his own side.
“We will put everything into trying to win our two remaining league matches and see where it takes us. There’s nothing more we could have done in recent months in terms of trying to win the league so we will just wait and see how things pan out.
“Firstly though we need to focus on our cup semi-final. This is a great chance to win silverware and the girls are relishing the opportunity.”
Despite sitting bottom of the table, Marston Green provided stern opposition on Sunday and were clearly boosted by their impressive League Cup last eight showing against Stourbridge, albeit in defeat.
On a heavy pitch which made passing football difficult, it was only Karas’ 26th-minute wonder strike which separated the sides at half time.
In the second half, a change in shape created renewed vigour from the visitors who looked more solid as centre backs Sam Tayler and Amy Kendall and wide players Lauren Pearson and Lucy Dovey snuffed out the hosts’ threat, whilst Kirsty Grigg made an important one-on-one save when called upon.
The midfield trio of Sofi Liperis, Karas and player of the match Hollie Congrave began to shine and lively debutant Francesca Hsu’s running and intelligent flicks led to chances for Katie Edwards and Ellie Gerhold.
The increase in good possession, better decision-making and end product led to Karas making it 2-0 in the 73rd minute when she finished a great move on the right-hand side by rounding the keeper and slotting home.
Several new faces have arrived this week to bolster the squad, including 16-year-old Hsu of Worcester City and Worcestershire County Schools FA.
Three more 16-year-olds are on board in the shape of Natalya Pulver of West Brom and Worcestershire County Schools FA, Olivia Ashfield of West Brom and Worcestershire County Schools FA and Sarah Kennedy, who was already with the Reds and also plays for Worcestershire County Schools FA. Rebecca Gwilliam is another new addition.
Meanwhile, the Reds Ladies are through to the Midlands stage of the FA People’s Cup after winning the West Midlands round-robin stage, including an impressive victory over Birmingham & West Midlands who play two levels higher.
