Wyrley made the long journey to Stoke hoping for the best, with a team that was missing Lauren the goalkeeper, Ash from defence and Hayley T from the wing. Cath took up the role of goalkeeper and Leah came into defence along with Jody, Kirsty and Hayley B. Shelly, Tash, Leanne and Emily held the midfield with Sophie and Jemma leading the attack. After 10 mins of probing Emily crossed to Sophie, who sent the ball across the goal and Jemma confused the keeper and slotted home 0-1. 15 mins Emily lobbed the keeper from the edge of the ‘D’, that was the ‘D’ of the half way line, cracking shot 0-2. Wyrley continued to play and pass the ball about in the Newcastle half and went further ahead on 28 mins with a sublime edder from Jemma 0-3. Cath wasn’t called into action on too many occasions and played more like a sweeper than a goalkeeper at times, much to the horror of the spectators. Newcastle did try a spectacular lob but Cath kept her eyes on the ball and made a clean catch.
Kelly I came on for Shelly after the break and was soon in the thick of the action. Leah showed great maturity in holding up the ball, tackling and passing the ball to feet, in the face of older and stronger opposition. Leanne made way for Vikki to enter the fray. Kirsty made several runs with the ball through the Newcastle midfield and was fouled outside the box and won a free kick. 60 mins Kirsty took the kick which went through the wall and was deflected into Tash’s path for an easy side footed tap in 0-4. 63 mins A lovely 1-2 between Sophie and Jemma wrapped up the scoreline 5-0. Newcastle did not at any point in the game give up or drop their heads and made robust tackles up to the final whistle. Kirsty swapped places with Cath in goal to give the girl a run out, and to relieve the pressure from the spectators. As a goalkeeper Cath did her job well but seemed to forget at times that she was allowed to pick up the ball.
A good performance from all and through to the quarter finals of the Ladies Challenge Cup, where they can hopefully go further than last season.
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