Congratulations to our women's team, who have reached the first round proper of the Vitality Women's FA Cup, coming from behind to win at Herne Bay this afternoon.
Herne Bay went ahead midway through the first half when a good left wing cross was headed in from close range, and they would have been two up but for a superb piece of defending from Gabby Howell, who cleared off the line after a home striker had gone round goalkeeper Zoe McNulty and shot goalwards. That proved even more important within a minute as Darcy Wells then put Olivia Watson through to roll the ball past the advancing goalkeeper and in to the net, and Watson went close on two more occasions before half time.
Herne Bay had a chance to retake the lead in the second half when Kelly Pizzolerro, one of two half time substitutes, was adjudged to have brought down a home forward, but McNulty dived to her left to save the resulting penalty and keep the scores level.
The winner came with just over twenty minutes left when U's were awarded a free kick just outside the area and Jas Backhurst placed her shot just under the angle of post and bar, giving the keeper no chance. Mika Keen was denied by a good save soon afterwards as U's finished the game on top to clinch a place in the first round draw.
Team: McNulty, Howell, Poynton, Colepio, Williams(sub Pizzolerro H-T), Brinkley, Dent, Hull(sub Keen H-T), Watson(sub Whelan 80), Wells, Backhurst.
Our reserves enjoyed a convincing 7-1 win at home to Guildford City in Collingwood Recreation Ground.