Match Report | WCWFC 3-4 Gwalia United
City exit the FA Women’s National League League Cup despite a second half fight back
Photo by Flotography
On Sunday afternoon, Matt Jones’ side were back in FA Women’s National League League Cup action as Gwalia United visited Sixways in the final match of Group C knowing they realistically needed a win to guarantee progression to the next phase.
City have struggled to find their feet in this year's competition so far after back to back FA Women’s National League League Cup defeats against local rivals Kidderminster Harriers and Cheltenham Town respectively.
The game started off with both teams trying to figure out and it took until the 10th minute of the game after a Connie Matthews corner was cleared and City recycled the second phase where Billingsley collected at the edge of the box but her effort was comfortably saved.
Minutes later, Carys Lowley made an outstanding block from a goal bound effort as the visitors looked to take the game to Worcester.
Jodie Whiteman was called into action for the first time in the afternoon and pulled off an outstanding save as she tipped over an effort that arrowed towards goal.
Shortly after, Madeline Welham had the ball in the back of the net after being put through with a delicious pass from Billingsley, but Welham was deemed to have drifted into an offside position.
Midway through the half, Gwalia found themselves ahead after a corner was whipped towards the back post and the header hit the top of the bar, confused everybody and bounced towards the attacker who couldn’t miss.
Ten minutes from the break the visitors doubled their lead after the striker put her toe onto the ball with a technical strike into the bottom right hand corner.
Moments later, Worcester failed to deal with a cross from the right hand side and the winger snuck in and prodded the ball home.
Five minutes after the restart, City pulled one back as Welham scored her first goal for the club after some outstanding work by Billingsley who put it on a plate and our striker flicked the ball home.
In the 65th minute, Worcester pulled another goal back after some great pressing from Olivia Stubbs and Mads Welham, Kaye Haggett pounced on the loose ball and fired the ball into the top corner of the net.
Five minutes later, Haggett again was involved as she drove into the box and unleashed a powerful effort that the keeper could only parry. The ball then fell to Billingsley whose effort was blocked.
City looked to have completed the comeback after game change Lowri Walker headed home from a superb Haggett cross to draw us level, but Gwalia hit a shot from close range that trickled underneath Whiteman.
Next up, The Women’s FA Cup takes centre stage as Port Vale Women visit Sixways in Third Round Qualifying action on Sunday, 4th October with a usual kick off time of 2pm.
Performance Squad
The U18s have had a frustrating few weeks of postponements and looking to get their season up and running on Saturday morning as they hosted Lye Town, but were well beaten at Little Perdiswell.
Next up for the U18s is a trip to AFC Chelmsley in league action on Saturday, 3rd October with a kick off time of 10:30am.
Meanwhile, the U21s faced unfamiliar surroundings for a home game as they faced local rivals Droitwich Spa at Pershore High School on Sunday afternoon where they played out a 2-2 draw, thanks to goals from Milly Ponting and Leah Ritson.
They are back in action next Sunday as they face Crusaders at home.
Thank you, City fans for all your fantastic support. Up the City!!
