Page 12 - Women's Soccer Scene 2020-21 Issue 3

Leeds Utd have gone through to the Third Round Qualifying after
winning 2-0 in their all-National League tie away to Stockport
County.
After a goalless first half, Leeds went in front through Holly
Findlay on the hour mark and Olivia Smart sealed the win with the second goal, twelve
minutes from time. Leeds face another difficult tie in the next round this week as they will
travel to Barnsley.
In the other delayed tie, Liverpool Feds came through an awkward trip in style with
a 5-0 victory at Ossett Utd. Molly Farley gave the Feds an early lead which was doubled
before the interval by Rosie Kinvig. Caroline Charlton made it three on the hour and after
Farley had completed her double, Erin Slade rounded off the scoring late on. Liverpool Feds
face a shorter trip in the next round, away to Fleetwood Town Wrens.

FC United of Manchester, formed in 2005 as a fan owned Community Football Club, added a
Women's Team to the club's dynamic in time for the 2012-13 season. This was considered a
bold move at the time as the club was still three seasons away from having a home of their own;
Broadhurst Park opening in time for the 2015-16 season. The women started in the Greater
Manchester Women's Football League, playing home games on the public pitches adjacent to
today's magnificent stadium, and have progressed steadily to the Premier Division of the
North West Women's Football League over the years lifting several trophies along the way.
With only a handful of games remaining of the 2019-20 season and sitting comfortably
top of the league, the season was declared void due to the Covid Pandemic with the women,
having missed out narrowly on promotion the season before, almost certain of gaining
promotion last season had it reached its natural conclusion. The team is looking to put that
right this time around and relish the opportunity to test themselves against higher opposition
whenever the opportunity presents.
Sunday's Third Round Qualifying tie against Chorley in this season's Vitality Women's
FA Cup will be FC United of Manchester's fifth tie in the competition so far, which has seen
them oust West Kirby, Ashton Town, Wakefield Trinity and a notable 5-2 victory away to
National League side Norton & Stockton Ancients in the last round.
So the scene is set for Sunday's tie against Chorley FC and manager Kamran Hussain
has a lot of faith in his team that they can make further progress:
"Chorley are a team we have played previously early on when I first took over the role
at FC. We believe, we know and we most certainly can progress to the next round against a
National League side. We have a team which is full of talent, dedication and a fight that can
match anyone on their day as shown against Norton last time out.
Maxine Smith was one of the goalscorers in the last round and she added: "The team
have been thriving off each game in the FA Cup this year and I have no doubt that will
continue. this Sunday.
“The way we are playing, fighting and progressing is really exciting and I can't wait
to see what the next step will be."
"We cannot wait for Sunday's game,” said captain Kirsty Chambers. “It will be
another great test against a team in the league above but we are full of confidence and are
looking forward to playing.
“We played Chorley away last pre-season and came short 2-1. Since then we have
grown as a team on and off the pitch so it will be good to see how we rise to the challenge on
Sunday. Hopefully we can progress into the next round to draw a real big team."
Issue no. 3 - 29 October 2020 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk