Adobe Women’s FA Cup
An electrifying day of Adobe Women’s FA Cup Second Round Qualifying delivered stunning comebacks, goal laden
matches, and standout individual performances, as teams battled for a place in the next round.
South Shields produced a sensational turnaround to advance past Alnwick Town. Trailing 3-0 at half time, the Mariners roared back with goals from Jen Wootten, Annece Legg, and Ellie White, the latter two in stoppage time, to force a penalty shootout. Alnwick faltered on their fourth and fifth spot kicks, allowing Legg to step up and secure South Shields’ progression.
In the North East, Wallsend BC ended Wigginton Grasshoppers’ debut FA Cup journey with a commanding 5-0 victory, while Stockton Town triumphed 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller against Park View, who had smashed 17 goals in the previous round.
Goals flowed freely across the country. Brunsmeer Athletic outscored Rotherham United 6-4 and Grimsby Town hosted a wild clash, with Leeds Modernians edging a 6-5 epic. Modernians, like South Shields, overcame a 3-0 deficit, clawing back to 3-2 by half time before completing a remarkable second half comeback.
Seventh-tier Brookside Athletic pulled off a stunning 4-1 upset against Stamford, a side two divisions above them. Gateshead Leam Rangers also impressed, thrashing sixth-tier Hartlepool United 5-0 away. Ramsey & Mitley and Leyton Orient caused shocks with 5-1 away victories over higher-tier Brantham Athletic and Dussindale & Hellesdon, respectively.
Tiverton Town kept their cup dream alive, defeating Bishop’s Lydeard, two tiers higher, in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw. Bitton notched up an impressive 6-0 victory over Pucklechurch Sports, from the level above, whilst four first half goals fired Mangotsfield Utd to a surprise 4-1 win against Frampton Rangers.
Mancunian Unity, who reached the third round proper last season, continued their march with a 4-0 win over Curzon Ashton. Debbie Price opened the scoring, followed by Sadie Mitchell’s brace and a goal from Haz Purslow.
Toby FC’s historic first home FA Cup tie ended in disappointment, as visitors Needham Market secured a 3-1 victory, with Mia Etheridge-Golding’s opener and Annie Posnett’s double sealing the result. Kayla Potter stole the show elsewhere, netting five goals in Wycombe Wanderers’ 10-1 beating of Wallingford & Crowmarsh. Athletico London (12-1 vs Southend Utd) and Shrewsbury Town (8-0 vs Albrighton) also recorded emphatic wins, as did FC St Helens, who matched Shrewsbury’s 8-0 scoreline against Hyde. New Bolton Wanderers signing Abbie Brown bagged a brace in their 5-0 win over Chester.
Last season’s Mitre Golden Ball winner, Madison Hadley of Preston North End, found the net but couldn’t prevent her side’s exit, as Poulton Victoria won on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
