Halifax Women’s Football Club successfully fended off a spirited Leeds United comeback to clinch a quarter-final spot in the FA Women’s National League Cup. The thrilling contest showcased the resilience and determination of both sides in adverse weather conditions that disrupted several matches across the competition.
Early goals set the tone for an exhilarating match as Halifax surged ahead with a 4-3 victory over Leeds United. In the 7th minute, Shauna Legge capitalized on a rebound opportunity to put the Eagles in the lead. Four minutes later, Meg Boydell extended the advantage, doubling Halifax’s tally. Debutant Courtney Willis made a significant contribution, scoring on the stroke of half-time to give Halifax a comfortable cushion. Boydell added her second with a remarkable strike on the 55th-minute mark, propelling her team to a commanding 4-0 lead.
Katie Astle led Leeds United’s fightback, finding the net in the 72nd minute. Jess Rousseau orchestrated a quickfire double to breathe hope into Leeds’ prospects, with one minute of the regulation time remaining.
Halifax managed to hold on to their lead, securing a place in the next round of the competition. Their victory spelled the end of Leeds United’s journey, as last year’s FA Women’s National League Plate champions exited the Cup.
The FA Women’s National League Cup witnessed several exciting clashes, with the holders Nottingham Forest falling to a 3-0 defeat against Newcastle United. Hashtag United clinched a late 2-1 win against Rugby Borough. Portsmouth secured a 1-0 victory over MK Dons, while London Bees advanced with a 2-0 win over Norwich City. AFC Fylde and Huddersfield Town displayed their offensive prowess, each putting four goals past their respective opponents. AFC Fylde emerged victorious with a 4-2 win at home against Durham Cestria, while Huddersfield narrowly defeated West Bromwich Albion 4-3.
In the FA Women’s National League Reserve Cup, Wolves advanced on penalties, beating Derby County 7-6 in a thrilling match that ended 2-2 after extra time. Cambridge United showcased their resilience in the FA Women’s National League Plate with a thrilling comeback against Keynsham Town, securing a 2-1 victory with Ruth Fox’s last-minute winner. Barnsley and Hull City clinched decisive wins over Sheffield FC and FC United of Manchester, respectively.
Exeter City secured a 2-0 win against London Seaward with two second-half goals. Derby County triumphed 5-2 against Northampton Town, while Peterborough United Development advanced in the FA Women’s National League Reserve Plate with a late 5-4 victory over Leeds United. Southampton Women prevailed in a penalty shootout, securing a 4-2 win against Rugby Borough.
The action continued across various divisions, with Posh claiming a vital 1-0 win over Solihull Moors in Division One Midlands. In Division One South East, AFC Wimbledon dominated the Cherry Red Records Stadium, netting five second-half goals to defeat Worthing 5-0, with Ellie Dorey registering a hat-trick. Actonians and AFC Sudbury engaged in a thrilling 3-3 draw. Abingdon United emerged with a 2-1 victory over Torquay United, while Moneyfields displayed their attacking prowess, overwhelming Bridgwater United with an 8-0 victory, including braces from Kau’Inohea Taylor and Charley Wilson-Wilton.
Originally posted 2023-10-30 15:17:42.
