Town Women progress into the next round of the FAWNL Cup
- Town Women win 3-1 away from home
- Goals from Elford, Mallin, and Montgomery
- Thoughts of Manager, Glen Preston
A thrilling match-up at Loughborough on Sunday afternoon resulted in Town Women grabbing a vital win to keep their chances of another cup run alive, earning them a place in the next round.
The first half saw both sides exchanging several attacking chances, with Loughborough striking the post in the 24th minute.
Moments later, a long ball by Brooke Marsden reached the path of Ria Montgomery, who comfortably converted into the back of the net.
The second half saw Laura Elford trying to impose herself with a shot that just skimmed the bar.
Heaps of pressure inside the opposition box led to a thunderous Elford strike, that was hit on the turn, which smashed into the back of the net.
Town continued to pile the pressure on and a brilliantly worked counter-attack resulted in Kate Mallin slotting the ball under the keeper, giving them their third goal of the day. Loughborough protested a possible handball in the build-up leading to the attack, but were waved away by the referee.
Following successive substitutions for Town, Loughborough Lightning managed to pull one back from a crowded corner giving the Leicestershire side hope of a possible comeback.
The Terriers continued to attack, and while doing so, managed to rattle the bar in an effort to score four.
A series of pivotal saves from Bethan Davies denied Loughborough of scoring any more before the full-time whistle inevitably blew, securing Town's place in the next round of the FAWNL Cup and proving, with a 3-1 scoreline, that lightning does indeed strike twice.
Town Women Manager, Glen Preston, shared his post-match thoughts.
"I’m happy with the win and with the amount of clear-cut chances we created.
“We probably should've scored one or two more, but overall it was a tough game.
“Loughborough are a good side and caused us problems in spells, so I'm delighted to win and get through to the next round."
The game was also Town Women’s final fixture of the year, a year which saw Preston re-join the Terriers, and so he reflected on his start back at the Club.
"It's great to have won all four games since I’ve been back, and in convincing fashion too.
“I just hope it gives everyone involved with Town Ladies a nice lift going into the festive season, because the Club deserves it."
Preston also commented on the several changes he made to his starting XI from last week.
"It was great for Zoe, Brooke, and Alice all to feature today and for me to get a look at what they can bring to the table, Vicky as well, who has not featured much this season.
“It's not always easy when you make lots of changes, but they all did exceptionally well and I'm proud of them."
Town are back in action next year, when they face Hull City Ladies on Sunday 9 January 2022.
TEAM LINE-UP
33. Bethan Davies (GK)
19. Paige Crossman
5. Vicky Abbott (68' SUB 25. Georgia Marshall)
12. Autumn Housley
17. Zoe Laughton (70' SUB 3. Beth Ibbotson)
6. Lauren Griffiths
28. Brooke Marsden (74' SUB 18. Alice Linsell)
11. Brittany Sanderson
9. Ria Montgomery
10. Laura Elford
4. Kate Mallin
