Page 11 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.16 2022-23

Maidenhead Utd 2 Abingdon Utd 2
(Abingdon won 5-4 on penalties)
Abingdon United will contest their first Berks and Bucks FA Cup Final after a penalty
shoot out win over Maidenhead United.
A thrilling 2-2 draw was followed by a penalty masterclass from United with three
confident conversions and three superb saves from keeper Hannah Cox to clinch a
prestige final tie against Milton Keynes Dons.
After an even opening quarter hour, Abingdon took the lead with an outstanding
goal from Lauren May, measuring a lofted strike from the right corner of the area which
struck the far post before rebounding home. Maidenhead responded well with pressure
on the visiting defence. A series of corners just before the half hour led to the equaliser.
Cox had made a fine save from the first, tipping away a dangerous inswinging
delivery under pressure. A second corner from the other side was dealt with but Megan
Halfacree then delivered an absolute beauty curling towards skipper Amy Saunders
who timed her run to perfection and drove the ball home on 29 minutes.
Abingdon were also inventive from set pieces but the home defence was strong in
clearing the danger and the half ended all square which reflected the even nature of the
contest.
The Magpies had a great chance to take an early lead on the restart with Cox
blocking an initial effort and a covering defender making a super goal line clearance
from the follow up.
Play shifted from end to end in an exciting manner with both teams eyeing the
prize at stake. Maidenhead had the better chances and produced some fine moves to
turn the United defence, retaking the lead on 72 minutes when Halfacree broke clear
on the left and fired in a low shot. Cox reacted well to parry but Aleasha Lunn was on
hand to finish.
Back came Abingdon and a fine run down the left and low cross from May was
converted from close range by Lindsey Pinker on 75 minutes.
The Magpies dominated the final fifteen minutes and created several promising
positions but, despite going close with three fine shots which flew inches high or wide
and one which clipped the woodwork, they could not find the decisive goal and tie went
straight to penalties.
Cox read all three Maidenhead spot kicks, one low to her left and two low to her
right to seal the deal and settle an excellent semi final played in front of an enthusiastic
crowd which neither side deserved to lose, but it was the visitors who were celebrating
at the end.
Maidenhead Utd: Gemma Harvey, Chrissy Nazif, Sarah Thompson, Gemma Bloor,
Kajal Malhotra, Vicky Carvill, Amy Saunders, Aleasha Lunn, Imogen Fisher, Megan
Halfacree, Natalie Cowell. Subs: Lydia Vettese, Ines Cipriano, Eva Thomas, Shylla
Carty-Duhaney, Bethan Poole.
Abingdon Utd: Hannah Cox, Megan Crawford, Beth Hawtin, Amy Chivers, Sahara
Osborne-Ricketts, Charlotte Deeley, Amy Pipe, Nell Boxall, Lauren May, Molly Lygo,
Lindsay Pinker. Subs: Maisie Hastings, Sophia Suters, Beth Chapman, Abbie Thorne,
Millie Hume.

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