Match Report | Port Vale 1–2 WCWFC

Late show from City sends us through to the Adobe FA Women’s FA Cup Second Round Proper

Photo by Maisie Tay Photography

City travelled to the Potteries to face tier 5 side Port Vale in the First-Round Proper of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on Sunday afternoon, where everybody from a Worcester persuasion was hoping for a win to extend our stay in one of the most prestigious competitions in world football.

Before the game City announced new loan signing Connie Matthews from Wolves and the left-back was thrown straight into the line up after Bethan Marriott dropped out of the squad due to illness.

The 16 year old grew into the game was particularly impressive in the second half marking a fantastic debut for the youngster.

City took just two minutes for their first attempt of the game, after a Nyah Edwards effort from distance was pushed behind for a corner.

In the sixth minute, Maia Clark put in a delicious ball into the box after she was played in down the right, but Charlotte Poole couldn’t get a connection on the ball.

Just after the 15th minute mark, Shona Baldwin had a looping effort that was tipped over the bar by the Vale keeper, and shortly after, Maia Clark had an effort that was deflected behind for a corner.

Just before the 20th minute, Poole collected the ball at the edge of the box, turned, and hit a shot just wide of the post.

In the 24th minute, Port Vale’s keeper was shown red, after Clark was brought down outside the box as she was going to be clean through on goal.

Jodie Whiteman was forced into a comfortable save just after the half-hour mark as Port Vale threatened City.

Five minutes later, City took the lead after a Kaye Haggett corner was met by Nyah Edwards’ head, which went in off the inside of the post to score her second goal in a week.

Just before the break, Port Vale broke into the box and forced Whiteman into a great save with her feet to ensure City went into the break with the lead.

Port Vale had the first opportunity of the second half after some neat play, but the shot went over the bar.

City then had chances of their own after Baldwin played in Clark, whose effort was saved by the keeper’s feet, and then Haggett had an effort from distance; however, the keeper was equal to it and got a touch on the ball to send the ball behind for the corner.

Just before the hour mark, the hosts were level after a strike from distance flew past Whiteman.

With just over twenty minutes left, Vale got in behind; however, fortunately for City, the shot went over the bar.

Five minutes from time, Keeley Crew had an effort that went wide of the post after Haggett drove forward.

Two minutes from time, City scored the winner after instrumental Haggett put in a great through ball to Jasmin Springer, who slotted it home to secure City’s place in the Second Round Proper.

Next up for City, it’s under the lights at Sixways as we return to FA Women’s National League action, with local rivals Kidderminster Harriers the visitors on Wednesday, 29th October, with a 07:45pm kick-off.

Kidderminster Harriers - Under The Lights tickets here

WCWFC Under 18s

City were not in action this weekend but return next Saturday in league action as they travel to Lye Town.

WCWFC Reserves

It was a trip to Trinity High School in Redditch to take on Kingfisher on Sunday for City as they returned to action following last Sunday’s postponement.

City found themselves 3 up at half-time thanks to an own goal, and a goal a piece from Victoria Snape and Freya Wood.

Into the second half, Kingfisher fought back and scored three times and levelled in the 70th minute, but three minutes from time, Lauren Smith struck for City to ensure City left Redditch with a valuable three points.

Next up, City welcome Knowle to the University of Worcester on Sunday, 2nd November, with a kick-off time of 02:00pm.