Millbrook march on
Alton Ladies 2 Millbrook 6
Millbrook reached the next round of the Hampshire County Women's League Invitation Cup with a 6-
Three goals in each half were more than enough to see the Division 2 team progress against a spirited Division 3 home team, with Cleo Rawlings taking the honours with a hat trick.
The attacking strength of Millbrook was shown with their first corner eventually forced in by Molly Thain in just the second minute.
Alton responded well and were soon level when an excellent through ball opened up the visiting defence and Jodie Clinkard to put the ball past keeper Abbie Mason.
Parity did not last long as Frankie Fielden scored with a well placed free kick from 25 yards to restore Millbrook's lead and close a hectic opening quarter of an hour.
Both teams moved the ball well at times but the away team always had the edge in pace and power up front . It took until the 43rd minute for Millbrook to extend their lead owing to an inspired display of goalkeeping by Alysha Jones. In one three minute spell she saved five goalbound attempts from Millbrook players, two from distance and three blocks from one on one chances.
Finally Rawlings found a way past Jones with a cool finish to make it 3-
Despite having a player sent off, Millbrook continued to attack and create chances. It was Rawlings who converted two further attacks with well hit shots on the run as the visitors took their total to six.
Alton. newly revived this season after a year's break from senior competition, never gave up and created some decent half chances of their own in the final ten minutes. They were rewarded for their determination with a second goal deep into added time, albeit via a bizarre own goal when a sliced attempted clearance flew in from 20 yards.
The match was generally played in good spirit and both sides were positive in their attacking ideas . Millbrook, so far unbeaten in Division 2, looked a good all round side and will surely have a say in the title race as well as an Invitation Cup run.
Alton Ladies: Alysha Jones, Georgia Haskett, Nadia MacCormack, Ania Godbold, Charlotte Carter, Megan Knight, Emilia Robertson, Grace Haughton, Eva Marley, Jodie Clinkard, Esmae Burditt. Subs: Katie-
Millbrook: Abbie Mason, Alicia Butcher, Frankie Fielden, Melissa Lawrence, Frankie Lanham, Chelsea Smith, Sydney Whymark, Molly Thain, Cleo Rawlings, Louisa Castle, Caitlin Goodwin. Subs: Jodie Carter, Mia Lawrence, Lucie Channell, Tara Sheppard.
Photos by www.jamesprickett.co.uk
