Shropshire Women’s Cup – Semi Final
Allscott Ladies v West Mercia Ladies
Allscott are through to the Shropshire Women’s Cup Final on 15th May after winning 2-1 against West Mercia Ladies at Wellington Amateurs ground. A year ago Allscott ran out convincing winners in the same fixture, but this season they knew that the tie would be tougher and it proved to be just that.
Allscott had the best of the early chances with Julie Stirrup firing in a shot from distance that was too close to keeper Sarah Martin , who made an easy save, and it was a bitter blow for West Mercia when Martin pulled up with an injury early in the game, to be replaced by sub keeper Megan Griffiths.
Both sides carved out chances, but neither could deliver that final killer ball, Jamie Phillips looked to have the goal at her mercy but her effort went just over the bar. As it approached half time West Mercia won successive corners, the best of which was launched into the box but headed behind to give Allscott a goal kick and to keep the scored at nil –nil at half time.
The second half began with The Mercians on the attack, Jess Mclachlan bursting through with a great chance to give her side the lead, but Hannah Speake in the Allscott goal was equal to the shot and kept the ball out.
At the other end Allscott had a great chance to snatch the lead when Griffiths looked stranded, but the keeper recovered quickly and blocked the shot on the line.
Isha Alsadek made a fantastic run on the right to slot a perfect ball to James, who caught Griffiths off her line but missed from inside the box, it was a let off for the Mercians who mounted their own attack, which was eventually broken down by Harriet Reilly who had a storming game at the back for her side.
James was not to be denied when from Allscott’s next attack The Mercian’s dogged defence made one slip and allowed the striker to bury the ball low in the net and give them the lead.
1-0.
In the dying minutes of the game The Mercians mounted a great move that ended with defender Laura Brennan forcing her way into the box, slipping the defence, but under pressure from the last player she could not direct her shot into the net and the game finished one – nil to Allscott, who will now face TNS in a repeat of last years final at Shrewsbury Town’s stadium on 15th May 2014.
