Foxes victory in FA Cup progression

SSE WOMEN’S FA CUP FIRST ROUND REDDITCH UNITED LADIES 2 LOUGHBOROUGH FOXES WOMEN 4

LOUGHBOROUGH Foxes progressed to the second round of the SSE Women’s FA Cup following a 4-2 victory over West Midlands Division One South outfit Redditch United Ladies.

The visitors dominated possession in the early stages but rarely threatened the home side’s goal. On the other hand, Foxes were forced to make an early substitution following a suspected fractured fibula to the ever present Siobhan Eastham.

Foxes finally made their ball retention count through their top scorer, Chloe Young, who notched a quick fire brace just after the half hour mark. Young’s first came from the edge of the box where she rolled the ball into the bottom corner, and her second with another pin point strike into the top corner.

The two goals seemed to have took the wind out of Redditch’s sails after a positive start from the hosts, whom were very organised and didn’t look like a side plying their trade two divisions below the current Women’s Premier League leaders. Foxes led 2-0 at the break. Redditch looked dangerous on the counter attack and set up a fascinating finale as a player volleyed the ball over Amy Burle into the far corner with 20 minutes remaining. Before Redditch were able to use that momentum to their advantage and score an equaliser they were pegged back. Foxes bagged a third almost instantly through a stupendous rocket from their skipper Shauna Chambers.

Young must have thought she had put the tie to bed after completing her hat-trick after poking the ball in from close range with just over 10 minutes remaining. However, Redditch had other ideas as they clawed one back after a free flowing football move, which saw their taliswoman reduce the deficit to two goals. Redditch could have reduced the deficit further as they were awarded a penalty with five minutes remaining.

Number nine was spearheading a comeback for the underdogs and was brought down just inside the penalty area. The home support were calling for the referee to dismiss the centre half, fortunately for Foxes, not only did the referee not know who committed the foul, but the subsequent penalty was struck against the foot of the post - much to the delight of the travelling supporters.

Foxes managed to see the game out against a decent side who shouldn’t have any problems from getting out of their league come the end of the season. Redditch United should be proud of their performance after pushing their higher league opposition all the way to the wire.

As for Foxes, while they wait for their opponent to be announced for the second round of the SSE Women’s FA Cup, they turn their attention to the County Cup next Sunday where they travel to Leicester City Women’s Development squad.