Sunday 3rd November 2024
Adobe Women’s FA Cup First Round Proper
AFC Fylde Women bowed out of the Adobe Women's FA Cup on Sunday after a 2-0 defeat to Cheadle Town Stingers.
The Coasters travelled to the Ground Up Solutions Stadium for a tough test against Dylan Wimbury’s high-flying Stingers in the First Round Proper.
Justin Mcleod’s Fylde dominated the first half and were unfortunate not to lead at the break after creating a number of good chances.
The Stingers improved in the second half and were rewarded just past the hour mark when Imogen Porteous-Williams headed in the opener.
This closely fought contest was eventually settled inside the final ten minutes when Porteous-Williams doubled her tally with another header from close range.
Mcleod named an unchanged side from last weekend’s victory over Doncaster Rovers Belles. Ylenia Carabott rejoined the squad after being on international duty with Malta, while Abi Duffell also returned on the bench.
On a dry and chilly afternoon, the Coasters showed their attacking intent from the outset. In the opening minutes, Katie Bowers Folan advanced into a shooting position and forced an early save from Cheadle goalkeeper Jess Linford, before Holly Kelsh-Ridge dragged an effort wide of the post.
Cheadle’s first attempt on goal came when Rebekah Coe’s free-kick found the head of Porteous-Williams, but Skye Kirkham was equal to it. Just past the quarter-hour mark, Cheadle’s Tara Duce drifted inside and fizzed a shot narrowly off target.
As Fylde increased the pressure, Mia Hyland’s darting run forced a corner in the 23rd minute. Millie Tindall’s subsequent delivery caused mayhem in the six-yard box as the ball was headed back off the post, and the rebound was eventually cleared.
With the Cheadle defence stretched, Karri Chan almost broke through on goal, but her run was halted by the offside flag. Fylde’s best chance arrived on the stroke of half-time when Imogen Borrowdale raced clear and found herself one-on-one with the goalkeeper. As Borrowdale tried to get her shot away, Linford stretched out a hand to deny her, before Nadine Ruddock completed the clearance.
Half-Time: Cheadle Town Stingers 0-0 AFC Fylde Women
Both teams continued to search for a breakthrough after the restart. Cheadle substitute Rachael Dunlop raced to the byline but could not find a teammate with her cutback across the box. At the other end, Kelsh-Ridge made a marauding run through the middle but was brought down on the edge of the area. The Fylde captain took the resulting free-kick, but her shot whistled over the bar.
The Stingers went ahead in the 64th minute after Dunlop’s pinpoint cross found Porteous Williams at the back post, who made no mistake with a powerful header past Kirkham.
The Coasters looked for an instant response as Chan stole possession high up the pitch and played in substitute Grace Osvath, but Osvath could not keep her shot down. Moments later, Iszy Binks sent a long ball forward for Bowers Folan to chase, but Linford rushed out to avert the danger.
Somewhat against the run of play, the Stingers doubled their lead in the 81st minute when Dunlop again assisted Porteous-Williams to score her second of the afternoon. Dunlop did well to recover an overhit free-kick, before centring for Porteous-Williams to head home at the back post.
Cheadle survived the remaining minutes unscathed to book their place in the Second Round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, where they will face FC St Helens Women in late November. Meanwhile, the Coasters were left to reflect on what might have been as they exited the competition at the first-round stage.
Full-Time: Cheadle Town Stingers 2-0 AFC Fylde Women
The Coasters return to their league duties next weekend when they travel to the North East to take on Durham Cestria. This fixture will be played at the Graham Sports Centre in Durham on Sunday 10th November, with kick-off at 2.00 pm.
Cheadle Town Stingers: Linford, Ruddock (60’ Ahmed), John, Gillin, Porteous-Williams, Coe (46’ Dunlop), Dean, Duce (46’ Birtwistle), Houghton, Shepley, Paget (60’ Potier)
AFC Fylde Women: Kirkham, Binks, Holt, Rogers, Tindall, Hyland, Dunion (74’ Duffell), Borrowdale (60’ Osvath), Kelsh-Ridge (74’ Carabott), Bowers Folan, Chan
Unused substitutes: Hamer, Sanchez
Report by Scott Jones
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