FA Women’s Cup

First Qualifying Round

Sunday 11^th September 2005

 Chelmsford City 3 – 2 Abbey Rangers

 CHELMSFORD made it through to the second round of the FA Cup on Sunday with a sound second-half display making up for their lacklustre start to the game.

    City went a goal down after just 10 minutes, when a Rangers player burst through from the heart of midfield before beating a defender and rounding the goalkeeper to slot the ball into an empty net.

    A stunning effort from Laura Brown puy the home side back on level terms after 25 minutes, the goalkeeper misjudging an easy catch with the ball dropping over the line and, moments later, Brown had a wonderful shot from the edge of the area, strike the crossbar.

    However, a defensive error gifted the visitors their second goal before half-time, as their main playmaker, Wendy Grant, skipped past two defenders before firing past Carly Waters in the City goal.

    The Claret came out from the break a rejuvenated team, and on 50 minutes they grabbed the equaliser, Sarah Jolly laying the ball off for Emma Ridings, who ran on and slotted it to the left of the goalkeeper.

    After drawing level once again City’s fighting spirit really began to shine through, and with 20 minutes remaining Ridings netted again to put the home team in front.

    Chelmsford continued to play good passing football on the floor throughout and always looked to have the extra fire power but made hard work of their eventual victory.

    They will now meet either Newport Pagnell Town or Met Police, in the next round on 25^th September 2005 at Barnston AFC. 

    CHELMSFORD CITY: Carly Waters, Amy Vernon, Elizabeth Marshall, Laura Kendle, Jemma Bell, Zoe Taylor, Sharon Brownlie, Laura Brown, Sarah Jolly, Emma Ridings, Kerri Binks, Emma Wells, Lucy Garrett and Ashleigh Harding