Shanklin Ladies have secured their spot in the semi-finals of the Invitation Cup with a commanding 0-4 win away to Basingstoke Town Women.
The Isle of Wight side made a strong start and nearly took the lead inside the first 15 minutes when Thea Broadhead broke through on goal, only to be denied by the Basingstoke goalkeeper. Despite Shanklin’s early pressure, the hosts responded well and created several chances of their own before the break.
Goalkeeper Kirren Shaw was called into action to deny a one-on-one opportunity, before a defensive scramble saw Basingstoke strike the crossbar from close range – their best chance of the match.
The breakthrough came late in the first half when Freya Henry’s clearance was chased down by Gemma Woodford. The Shanklin striker powered past two defenders and finished emphatically to put her side into the lead at the interval.
Half time: Basingstoke Town Women 0-1 Shanklin Ladies
Shanklin took full control in the second half. Woodford turned provider just minutes after the restart, lofting a precise pass into the path of Broadhead, who raced clear and slotted home for 2-0.
The momentum continued with a third goal as Broadhead picked up a cut-back on the edge of the area and struck a fine finish into the far corner. She completed her hat-trick shortly after, finishing low into the bottom corner following another clever assist from Woodford.
Eden Szawiel came close to adding a fifth late on with a fierce drive that was kept out by a superb save.
The full-time whistle confirmed a dominant display from Shanklin Ladies, who now advance into the Invitation Cup semi-finals with confidence.
Full time: Basingstoke Town Women 0-4 Shanklin Ladies
