Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.7 2020-21

Billericay Town 4 Maidenhead Utd 0
A stunning four-goal haul by half time substitute
Therese Addison took FAWNL Division One
South East side Billericay Town into the Second
Round of the Vitality Women's FA Cup at the
expense of FAWNL Division One South West
opponents Maidenhead United at the New Lodge.
Held scoreless at the break by a strong
defensive display by the visitors, the introduction
of Addison led to two superb long range strikes
early on followed by two more close range
finishes towards the end to add the gloss on a fine
all round team performance.
The opening exchanges were even and
neither keeper was troubled till the 11th minute,
when Maidenhead's Nina Merritt did well to
punch clear an inswinging corner from under her Gemma Bloor is challenged by Zoe Rushen
bar. The hosts started to dominate with Teni Charles (www.jamesprickett.co.uk).
very lively down the right and Zoe Rushen
dominating midfield and twice testing Merritt from distance.
Ellie Jeffkins came closest to breaking the deadlock on 24 minutes with a powerful
20-yard effort against the bar. Gemma Bloor and Kajal Malhotra made crucial blocks and
interceptions to deny the Billericay attacks and with Merritt brave and decisive under
pressure, the Magpies reached the break with a solid clean sheet despite some sustained
Billericay probing.
The ability of Addison to strike with power and accuracy from distance changed the
contest. There seemed little danger when two clearances reached her 30 yards out to the
left of goal on 48 and 57 minutes. With time to measure left foot shots, both superbly struck
efforts flew high beyond Merritt into the top right corner to give hosts a comfortable lead.
Maidenhead had the occasional attacking flurry and competed well throughout but
were never able to break down a well disciplined and strong Billericay defence. Merritt
saved well from Addison after a run into the area and low shot but was beaten on 74
minutes when the same player ran clear and slid home a calm left foot finish for a fine
hat-trick.
Addison added a fourth on 84 minutes from close range after a Merritt save fell
kindly for her to complete a game changing contribution. However, it was the strong all
round effort by all the home players which had broken down worthy opponents to set up a
Second Round appearance for the home club and delight the majority of the sizeable crowd.
Billericay have been drawn at home to Ipswich Town in the Second Round.
Billericay Town: Amy Mullett, Edita Dobreva, Ellie Jeffkins, Lucy Jones, Esme
Lancaster, Courtney Lumley, Jay Blackie, Georgie Morton, Zoe Rushen, Megan Harley,
Teni Charles. Subs: Therese Addison, Robyn Moody, Lilly Price, Paige Clemenson, Lottie
Ivison.
Maidenhead Utd: Nina Merritt, Sarah Thompson, Megan Halfacree, Amy Saunders,
Kajal Malhotra, Gemma Bloor, Nicole Barrett, Vicky Carvill, Natalie Barnes, Jade
Chhokar, Simone O’Brien. Subs: Shylla Carty-Duhaney, Katherine Mace, Chrissy Nazif,
Katie Thorne, Mia Reid, Amy Johnston.

news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk Issue no. 7 - 17 December 2020