The Ladies were at home to Abbeytown for the second time in the space of a week and for the 1st time this season had a full squad available for this League Cup semi-final.
Abbeytown started brightly and forced Newlaithes onto the back foot for the first 10 minutes or so. Although they got a number of shots on target, the Newlaithes defence held firm. Newlaithes began to fight back and first Pat, then Claire brought good saves from the Abbeytown keeper. On 19 minutes Katie O was 1st to a Newlaithes corner and she tucked the ball away for the opener. Abbeytown's heads dropped and Newlaithes took advantage, increasing their lead in the 28th minute when Faye broke free down the right hand side. She cut back inside and beat three defenders before driving the ball home with her left foot. Abbeytown almost pulled one back when the dangerous Hannah Robinson was clean through only to be foiled by a superb last ditch block by Sarah C. Claire was then unlucky at the other end when the Abbeytown keeper tipped her shot over the bar. then it was Abbie's turn to make a finger tip save to deny Abbeytown. As half time drew near, Paige and Pat were just wide with good efforts then in time added on, Pat received the ball on the edge of the box and she drove the ball into the roof of the net to give Newlaithes a 3-0 lead at half-time.
Abbeytown are never a team to lie down and despite the Newlaithes half-time talk about being prepared, they pulled one back on 51 minutes when Hannah Robinson broke free to slot the ball home. The Abbeytown onslaught continued and two minutes later they were awarded a penalty when the ball struck Chelsea's flailing arm and Kate Brown made no mistake from the spot. On 62 minutes the comeback was complete when Hannah Robinson took advantage of a defensive mix-up to score her second. Newlaithes pulled their socks up and a battle royal ensued as both teams engaged in some fearsome tackling - with Faye then Pat unable to continue after picking up knocks. There was more purpose about Newlaithes' game and tough-tackling 2nd half subs Holly, Yula and Alix gave the team a more steely edge. Also Laura W's workrate and willingness to track back provided no way through for Abbeytown. Newlaithes also defended deeper which nullified Abbeytown's direct style of play. Chances were few and far between as both sides continued to battle and the score remained 3-3 after 90 minutes.
And so into extra time and after 45 seconds, Laura W threaded the ball through to Tasha who was in acres of space towards the right hand side of the area. She took her time and lofted a sublime shot over the head of the despairing Abbeytown keeper and into the net to give Newlaithes a spring in their step. The battle continued as legs began to get tired and cramp started to become an issue. Both sides continued to run their hearts out but the score remained 4-3 to Newlaithes to take them through to the League Cup final for the second year running.
This was a thrilling cup match and either side could have won it. Hats off to Abbeytown who constantly threatened and credit to the Newlaithes players who could have crumbled but instead battled toe to toe with their opponents to finish deserved winners. Every single Newlaithes player made a positive impact today and there are some battered and bruised players from both teams this evening. This was a whole team performance but the referee awarded player of the match to Paige for the second week running.
Well done Ladies!
No match next week due to Carlisle United being at Wembley so our next game is in two week's time at home to Keswick in the League.
