Enfield Town Ladies 0 West Ham United Ladies 1
Womens FA Cup 5th Round
Bill Robinson reports from Brimsdown Sports Centre…….
This tantalising FA Cup match was decided with one magical strike from full back Joanna Woodgates with just two minutes remaining.
The match was not a classic encounter as both teams nervously pushed forward desperate not to leak a goal that might end their cup dreams, already in the last sixteen and a win today would but them in amongst the super league teams.
Few chances were created by either side and both keepers had little action, but it was Enfield who came close to opening the score in the 39th minute when Enfield strike Sheree Oliver found herself space in the 18 yard and was at the point of shooting when Jess Barling timed her outstretched leg to perfection to thwart a possible goal.
Tracy Duxbury had damaged her ankle in the first half and at halt time was replaced with Stacey Little. No other changes were made and West Ham came out looking to take advantage of their superior possession. Enfield looked dangerous on the break and at times exposed the Hammers defence but they could not create a clear chance to test Toni- Anne Wayne in the West Ham goal.
With the prospect of extra time getting closer West Ham won two consecutive corners, the first on the right taken by Jess Barling, a far post corner that was headed away for another corner on the left, this time taken by Joanne Woodgates, again deep and falling for Nina Downham whose shot was cleared by the full back only as far as Joanne Woodgates some 25 yards out wide on the left, Joanne let fly with a terrific shot that flew into the top corner of the net much to the joy of the whole team, supporters and manager.
The final minutes were frantic and passionate and Enfield created their best chance and should have equalised with a header from eight yards but it went wide.
The referee kept everyone waiting as he played an extra three minutes but finally the whistle went putting West Ham through to the last eight of the Cup.
West Ham Ladies :Toni-Anne Wayne, Joanne Woodgates, Rosey Sullivan , Natalie Grafton, Jess Barling, Tracey Duxbury, Gemma Shepherd, Carly Roache, Kayleigh Xidhas, Becky Merritt, Nina Downham
Subs:, Ruby Southgate, Danica Revell, Stacey Little
