Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.18 2022-23

Woking Development 2 Sutton Utd Res 2
(Sutton won 4-3 on penalties)
The 'magic of the Cup’ was in full evidence in the South
East Counties League Surrey Divisional Cup semi final
at Woking College. Woking Development and Sutton
United Reserves battled for 120 hard fought minutes
with the hosts drawing level in the final seconds of
extra time. The drama of a penalty shootout went
eventually in favour of Sutton United Reserves by four
successful conversions to three, to the delight of the
team and their sizeable support.
A recent league encounter had gone heavily
against Woking but the hosts showed great
determination to keep the lively and clever Sutton
attack at bay in the early stages. Dayna Clarke was busy
down the left with crosses, corners and long throw ins. Kate Davies challenges Sophie Demetriou
Sophia Demetriou was the focal point in attack and had (www.jamesprickett.co.uk).
the first big chance on 16 minutes, firing narrowly wide.
It was a Clarke cross, albeit with a huge deflection, which opened the score on 24
minutes. Woking nearly equalised not long after but Sutton keeper Charley Boult made a
superb save to deny Natasha Thompson, moving quickly off her line to deflect a low shot
for a corner.'
Woking had a fine spell in the quarter hour before the break and found an equaliser.
Thompson had a shot and, with Lisa Smith challenging, the ball found the back of the net
on 37 minutes.
The second period followed a similar pattern to the first with Sutton dominating the
ball with Aisha Riley and Priscilla Rastouil strongly involved in keeping the attacks going.
However, so good was the entire Woking defence in blocking, clearing and challenging that
keeper Maya Newsam was well protected and dealt confidently with long range efforts.
Extra time saw Sutton immediately regain the lead via Chloe Hattersley, again with a
deflection which lifted the ball over Newsam after an initial good run from Georgina
Wickham.
Woking found an attacking response difficult at first and time was against them.
However, they showed great character to force the visitors back in the final minutes. A free
kick flew inches wide with Smith challenging, another well constructed move forced a
corner and Victoria Linehan met the delivery with a towering near post header for a superb
leveller.
After such a battle it was a shame only one team could progress to the final but both
sets of players should be proud of their efforts
Woking Development: Maya Newsam, Kate Davies, Fran Cotter, Sophie Burgess,
Olivia Flaherty, Victoria Linehan, Louise Withers, Louise Curr, Meeghan Scheffer,
Natasha Thompson, Amy Ajeto. Subs: Jodie Selley, Jade Barclay, Jenny Rudrum, Lisa
Smith, Morgan Palmer.
Sutton Utd Res: Charley Boult, Poppy Bowyer-Mitchell, Katie Smale, Lucie Wynn,
Aisha Riley, Priscilla Rastouil, Keira Parker, Dayna Clarke, Sophie Demetriou, Chloe
Hattersley, Georgina Wickham. Subs: Cerys
Williams, Emma King.
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