REDDITCH United Ladies warmed up for Sunday’s eagerly anticipated SSE Women’s FA Cup first round proper tie in perfect fashion with a thumping 6-0 victory over Gornal which took them top of West Midlands Division One South.
The Reds face a stern test against FA Premier Midland League leaders Loughborough Foxes at the Trico Stadium on Sunday (1pm, free entry) but, having won three matches to reach this stage as well as all six league games, hopes are high of securing another eye-catching result and reaching the second round proper.
Their latest victory at the Trico on Sunday saw Gary Barrell’s side move top of the pile on goal difference with a game in hand as they ended the 100 per cent record of previous leaders Gornal.
The hosts made a flying start as captain Ellie Gerhold finished a counter-attack in the fourth minute and the lead was doubled 20 minutes later when American Mckenzie Karas headed home from a terrific Maisie Farr corner.
Gerhold struck again just a few minutes later and completed her hat-trick in the 40th minute to put the Reds in complete command with a 4-0 lead at the break.
It was 5-0 just four minutes into the second half when Gerhold and Sofi Liperis combined well on the left and the latter’s shot cannoned off the keeper into the path of Sarah Kennedy who converted the rebound.
Gornal rallied and threatened from set pieces but, led by Karas and Farr, the Reds stood firm at the back and they completed the scoring in the 69th minute when player of the match Kennedy volleyed into the top left-hand corner from just inside the box.
The Foxes now await in a historic cup tie for United, who will be up against the highest ranked team possible at this stage of the draw.
