Farsley AFC Ladies lose to Steel City Wanderers in historic FA Women's Cup clash

Farsley AFC Ladies 0-4 Steel City Wanderers Ladies

By James Grayson (Twitter: @jamesAgrayson)

Match Photos are HERE

Farsley AFC were soundly beaten in their historic first appearance in The FA Women’s Cup at the 1st Qualifying stage at Throstle Nest.
Zoe Beresford scored early on for the visitors before second half goals from Lucy Smith and Beresford completed a deserved victory for City.
East Midlands Women’s Regional Football League Premier Division outfit City were the dominant side throughout the game.
It took seven minutes for them to take the lead when the quick Beresford broke clear and managed to get a decisive touch on the ball as Farsley goalkeeper Sonia Penney was about to pounce.



Beresford blazed over a couple of good opportunities before Penney made a fantastic save from a Smith effort.
Farsley’s best period of pressure came at the end of the first half and Rob Womersley’s new-look team should have equalised. First goalkeeper Gemma Carter made a fantastic save from Jenny Halligan’s long range blast which seemed destined for the top corner.
Then from the corner kick, a header was cleared off the line and Lauren Wray, back at Farsley following a three-year break, saw goal-bound attempt stopped in the scramble.
But, Farsley struggled to create chances. Striker Wray and her replacement Meghan Pearce were isolated upfront on their own and the City defence had them well under control.
City got the killer second goal on 55 minutes through Smith. With 20 minutes left, Smith’s cross deceived Penney and found the bottom corner.



At the other end Farsley’s record appearance holder Hayley Hare went close for her side.
But, City were comfortably in control in the final minutes when Beresford scored the goal of the afternoon. Paris Wagstaff made a run down the middle of the pitch and played a great pass to Beresford who sprinted away from captain Sarah Firth.
Beresford, from a tight angle, shot for goal and found the top corner to round off a memorable victory for the Sheffield-based side.
Farsley AFC: Sonia Penney, Colette Haslam, Beccy Singer (Helen Barrett 58), Tora Oetgen, Sarah Firth (captain), Vicky Mladenovich, Lauren Wray (Meghan Pearce 55), Hayley Hare (Jade Elsworth 83), Millie West, Jenny Halligan, Helen Gresty. Subs unused: Laura Duke, Mel Brown.
Steel City Wanderers: Gemma Carter, Sam Hale (Jasmine Summers 55), Leanne Duke, Sarah Smith (Clare Keats 73), Claire Armishaw, Zoe Beresford, Lucy Smith, Maria Burns, Rachel Hale, Paris Wagstaff, Cheryl Mawhood.
Referee: Beverley Horsfield