SSFC Women reach first round proper with statement win against FC United

South Shields Women advanced to the first round proper of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday, with a 3-1 victory against FC United of Manchester Women.

It was a thrilling occasion for Alex Miller’s side, who looked to make it into the hat for the first time in three years.

The Mariners made life difficult for themselves at times – conceding what was potentially FC United’s first real threat of the match just before half-time – but they dug in deep and mounted a superb comeback.

Jaz Elliott-Wood hit one of her trademark free-kicks in the 54th minute to draw things level.

Ellie White later got on the end of a short play in the box from Sophie Greener, and she would herself grab the team’s third of the afternoon from close-range late on.

That extended Greener’s scoring streak (she has scored in every competitive game this season) to an impressive seven and it meant she got her eighth goal of the season too. 

Until FC United’s opener, it would be fair to say Shields controlled the game in large parts.

Many chances fell their way but of course, none of them could find the back of the net.

The first goal game just shy of the break, after captain Cara Bickett fired a through ball over to Naomi Lawrence, who was brought on earlier in the half.

A few twists and turns later, she was able to guide it past Scarlett Gowans before Josie Foster could manage to block it. 

Last week’s draw against Bradford City AFC Women showed there can be a great deal of fight within the squad if needed and the second-half performance truly displayed that.

Gowans stopped a good chance just 20 seconds following the restart as she put in a capable performance, which ultimately helped Shields go through.

Becki McMahon had a header saved very close to goal by opposing keeper, Sophie Donald.

Elliott-Wood, White and Greener all got on the scoresheet to complete the turnaround and book themselves a ticket for the first round proper in November. 

The lasses are without a game next week after would-be DCFA Women’s Cup opponents Chester-le-Street Town Ladies Development withdrew, but Shields will host their first team in the league in a fortnight. 

South Shields Women: Gowans, Innes, May, Greener, Gatens, White, McMahon, Norton, Elliott-Wood, Townsend, Foster.

Substitutes: Mole, Wootten, England, McDonald, Naylor, Longstaff, Jota. 

Goals: Elliott-Wood (54’), White (69’), Greener (83’)

FC United of Manchester Women: Donald, Griffin, Bickett, Ferguson, McVay, Kershaw, Firth, Hayes, Lester, Lambert, Mack. 

Substitutes: Wildin, Lawrence, Donnelly, Walton. 

Goals: Lawrence (43’)

Image credit: Craig McNair (@ideventphoto)