Posh Women secured their place in the next round of the FA Women’s National League Cup courtesy of first half strikes from Niamh Connor, Emily Meli and Renai Bennett.
Peterborough United Women made history as they secured a 3-0 victory against Worcester City Women on Sunday afternoon at Deeping Rangers FC, rewarding them with a place in the second round for the first time.
It was a strong start from Jake Poole’s side as they opened the scoring inside the sixth minute as Lauren Wilshaw’s corner was met by CONNOR who rose above everyone in the box to head in from close range. The Blues’ responded well as Holly Rogers skimmed the top netting from her long distance effort.
Posh continued to create chances as they found Wilshaw in the centre, but her curling effort was parried away by Kirsty Bridgwater. Neive Corry was forced into action shortly after as Kerstin Ballards’ powerful effort at goal required the fingertips of Corry and the post from keeping the score at 1-0.
It proved a crucial stop from Corry as Posh doubled their lead on the quarter hour mark as Niamh Reynolds travelled forward before playing MELI free on the right, she advanced into the box unmarked before slotting into the bottom right corner.
Meli’s cross was mishandled by Bridgwater, Wilshaw collected the follow-up but the Blues’ recovered well. Wilshaw looked to turn provider once again as she squared the ball to Meg Lawlor inside the box but her effort was tipped around the post by Bridgwater.
Posh capped off a strong first half performance in style as on the stroke of half time, Bennett struck her 25-yard free-kick into the top left corner to add Posh a third of the game.
Jake Poole’s side continued on the front foot in the second half as Wilshaw and Poppie Brown saw efforts fall inches wide of the post. Worcester had chances of their own as substitute Leah Ritson dragged an effort wide of the post with just over 15 minutes to go.
Posh looked destined to add a fourth as Meli’s cross was dropped by Bridgwater falling kindly to substitute Katie Middleton but her effort was somehow kept out by the Worcester defence.
Posh Women return to league action on Sunday afternoon (2pm) where they face Notts County at Coronation Street.
Posh: Corry, O’Niell, Connor (sub 74min, Abrantes), Osker (sub 64min, Driscoll-King), Brown (sub 64min, Mears), Lawlor (sub 46min, Dawbarn), Bennett, Reynolds (sub 46min, Middleton), Wilshaw, Bale, Meli.
Unused Subs: Perkins, Sharpe.
Half Time: Peterborough United Women 3-0 Worcester City Women
Full Time: Peterborough United Women 3-0 Worcester City Women
Attendance: 209
Referee: Richard Fullicks
- Photo Credit: Darren Wiles