Loughborough Foxes clinch much needed league cup win at QPR
FA WOMEN’S NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP
QPR LADIES 1 LOUGHBOROUGH FOXES WOMEN 3 LOUGHBOROUGH Foxes Women eased into the third round of the Women’s National League Cup after a 3-1 victory over QPR Ladies.
Foxes started the match much better than recent weeks and were up against a goalkeeper, Gillian Kasirye, who was in fine form between the QPR sticks.
Kasirye made four fantastic saves inside the first 45 minutes. First, a strong palm from Chloe Young’s sweetly connected volley.
The second, a strong foot to turn Ria Acton’s effort away from goal, after bearing down on goal in a one-on-one situation.
The third, a decent save down at the near post following good link up play between Charlotte Broad and Eva Rogers.
The last a fine fingertip stop to push over Broad’s effort to deny her from opening her account for the season.
QPR must have sensed it might have been their day as they began to grow into the game and had two half chances of their own through Jo Wilson. The hosts did however take the lead and Wilson was involved again.
Roschelle Shakes hooked the ball over Foxes’ defence and Wilson shifted it onto her left foot and slotted it home to make it 1-0 to the R’s.
The hosts went in at the break a goal to the good.
Foxes came out the blocks again quickly and had the chance to level the game from the spot following a foul in the box on Broad. Laura Steele stepped up and dispatched it with ease from 12 yards to make it 1-1.
Foxes nearly turned the tie on its head within a minute, however Acton saw her drive smash the underside of the bar and bounce away to safety. Moments later, Broad could have made it two, but lifted her effort into the keeper’s arms after getting the wrong side of the R’s defence.
The game began to get very fiesty, which saw Courtnay Ward-Chambers receive a caution after chopping down Jodie Bartle and shoving her twice in the aftermath of the challenge.
With extra time looming, Foxes took the lead through Eva Rogers. Acton whipped the ball in from the right hand side and Rogers bundled the ball past the on-rushing Kasirye.
The home faithful were adamant that Rogers fouled Kasirye in the collision leading to the second goal and the R’s management and players were however in disbelief the goal wasn’t chalked off.
Ward-Chambers received her marching orders after picking up a second yellow after her protests, as well as another Rangers player being booked. Kasirye was hooked due to injury and the hosts played the closing stages with nine players.
Foxes still had time for a third and put the game to bed. Substitute Becky McGrother drilled the ball across the stand-in keeper for her third goal of the season.
The result sees Foxes progress into the third round of the League Cup, with a much needed first win in their last six outings.
Next up for Foxes is an away trip to Stadium MK to take on Dons Ladies in the league.