Cowes Sports Ladies reached their 1st ever cup semi-final by knocking out Dorset side Grange Ladies in the Junior Cup on Sunday (19th February).
Cowes looked very much off the pace and on the back foot in the 1st half, with Grange keeping most of the possession.
In the 24th minute, Kira Smith broke through the Grange back line against the run of play. With Holly Mariner backing her up in the centre, Kira supplied a well worked cross into the box for Holly to volley it into the back of the net (0-1).
However, Grange quickly put themselves level, with Cowes keeper Beth Griffin making a great initial save, putting the shot onto the cross bar; however, the ball dropped for a tap in for Grange (1-1).
The 2nd half was a battle of attrition, with both sides having strong attacks being met by a good defence.
Full time: Grange Ladies 1-1 Cowes Sports Ladies
On to penalties. Cowes keeper Beth saved 3 consecutive penalties, leaving it down to the takers, with Georgie Cotton, Kira Smith and Ezmee Williams slotting home cleanly to secure Cowes a spot in their 1st ever semi-final.
Cowes Sports Ladies win 1-3 on penalties
After the game, Cowes Sports Ladies manager Laurence Chick said:
“The 1st half was disappointing to watch, considering the skill and passion my ladies have. They just didn’t seem to click; we only really played football for 5 minutes in the 1stt half. But the 2nd half was a totally different kettle of fish, with the ladies pulling together, showing their class.
“Grange made playing our style of football near on impossible; we’ve always struggled in cup games, so to see them take us to the semis for the first time ever was wonderful.
“I’m still smiling now, Martin Wragg and I have an amazing family at Cowes.”
Cowes Sports Ladies are back to league action at Westwood Park this Sunday (26th February) against QK Southampton Ladies.
SHANKLIN LADIES KNOCKED OUT OF HAMPSHIRE FA WOMEN’S TROPHY
Shanklin Ladies drew 1-1 away to Basingstoke Town FC Women in the quarter final of the FA Women’s trophy.
Shanklin’s goal was scored by Chloe Parkes. Unfortunately, the Isle of Wight Hampshire Division 1 side went down 5-4 on penalties.
This Sunday (26th February) Shanklin Ladies play in the semi-final of the Hampshire Invitational Cup at the County Ground. Kick-off is at 14:00.
