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LADIES SECURE HISTORIC VICTORY
(January 22, 2012)
Amaranth Ladies 1-3 Farsley AFC Ladies
By James Grayson
Match Photos can be seen HERE
Farsley AFC progressed through to a historic West Riding County FA Women’s Cup semi-final appearance after a hard-fought quarter-final win at Amaranth.
Kerry McLoughlin put Farsley into the driving seat with two first half goals, but a Abi Morgan own goal two minutes after the interval dragged the home side back into the game.
Tension mounted, but Farsley were able to hold on and Millie West sealed the victory in the final minutes to secure a tie with either Bradford City or Harrogate Railway at Fleet Lane in March.
But, before thinking of the dream game, Farsley had to perform a professional job on Amaranth.
From past experience, it looked an easy win because the last time Farsley played at Amaranth, the Celts were 14-0 winners, only two years ago.
But, the home side are a vastly improved side, extremely organised and hard to break down.
With the wind in their favour, Farsley were the better side in the first half and deserved to be ahead when McLoughlin’s long range strike found the bottom corner on 18 minutes.
The home side’s keeper kept further attempts away from goal, but was powerless to prevent McLoughlin’s spectacular free kick from finding the net towards the close of the half.
In the second half, the conditions were against Farsley and the players knew they had to defend well to secure the win.
After West wasted a glorious chance, at the other end, Morgan accidently headed the ball into the back of her net from corner – gifting Amaranth a way back.
Fortunately Farsley soaked up the inevitable pressure and Amaranth were only allowed long range pot shots as the half progressed.
Hayley Hare and Courtney Teale were both brought on and the pair caused problems for Amaranth.
Chances were now being created and in the final moments, McLoughlin’s 18-yard was parried.
West moved in, rounded the keeper and despite being pushed away from goal, the midfielder found the net to send Farsley on their way to Fleet Lane for the first time in their history.
Farsley AFC: Michelle James, Emily Dawson, Beccy Singer, Lottie Marriner, Sarah Firth, Millie West, Kath Raw (captain), Chloe Wainwright, Abi Morgan (Courtney Teale 60), Kerry McLoughlin, Sarah Carter (Hayley Hare 60)
