Match Report | Leafield Athletic 1-1 WCWFC (Leafield won 4-3 on penalties)

It was heartbreak for City as they exited the Adobe Women’s FA Cup on penalties

Photo by Maisie Tay Photography

City were hoping to make history on Sunday afternoon as they travelled to Birmingham to face Leafield Athletic in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Second Round Proper at Castle Vale Stadium.

City had the first opportunity of the game in the fifth minute when a Kaye Haggett corner was met by Bethan Marriott’s header at the back post, but it struck the woodwork.

Three minutes later, City opened the scoring when Jodie Whiteman pumped the ball up field to striker Maia Clark, who bulldozed her way through the Leafield defence and buried the ball with a fantastic strike.

In the tenth minute, the hosts had their first attempt on goal, but the ball went over the bar. Then, ten minutes before the break, a scramble in the area saw the Leafield striker put the ball just wide.

A couple of minutes later, Jodie Whiteman pulled off an outstanding save, tipping a goal-bound effort onto the bar, with Marriott clearing the ball away from danger.

Into the second half, Whiteman was forced into a save following a tame effort from a Leafield attacker, and moments later Leafield had a chance with a flick at the near post; however, the ball hit the side netting.

Just after the hour mark, Leafield drew level with a shot from inside the box placed into the top left-hand corner.

With fifteen minutes to go, Leafield broke through, but the shot was cleared for a corner. Moments later, Connie Matthews found acres of space down the left-hand side; however, a defender intercepted an advancing Higgs to prevent a certain goal.

In the 80th minute, City somehow avoided conceding after two efforts hit the woodwork, and following the second attempt, the ball was cleared off the line and out for a throw-in that led to nothing.

It ended all square after ninety minutes, and it came down to penalties, which went to sudden death. Leafield advanced to the next round despite a wonderful display from City.

Next up is a return to FA Women’s National League Division One Midlands action as Lincoln United visit Sixways on Sunday, 30 November 2025, with a 2:00 pm kick-off.

WCWFC U18s

City’s U18s weren’t in action this weekend.

Next up for the U18s is a trip to face Boldmere St Michaels on Saturday, 6th December, with a 09:30am kick-off.

WCWFC Reserves

City Reserves also returned to action after having no game last weekend, as they hosted Bromsgrove Sporting in league action on Sunday afternoon.

City went ahead in the 30th minute thanks to Lauren Smith, and it wasn’t long until City were two to the good, after Freya Wood struck two minutes later. That ensured Worcester went into the break with the lead.

Victoria Snape scored ten minutes from time to add a third for City to ensure they returned to winning ways.

Next up for the reserves is a trip to division pace setters Knowle on Sunday, 30th November, with a 02:00pm kick-off.

Thank you, City fans, for all your continued support.