Page 19 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.9 2022-23

off the pace after a Dani Selmes double and Bailey-Raine Hodge earned them a 3-2 win against
Crusaders. Sian Johnson, Sunya Salim and Caitlyn Watson all scored for Lye Town in their
3-3 draw with Lichfield City, whilst goals from Amber-Leigh Denny and Abigail Linney saw
Burton Albion win 2-0 against Solihull Sporting.
Walsall Ladies have gone four points clear at the top of Division One North after Aaliyah
Shearer and Shannon Workman scored in their 2-1 win away to Coventry City. Natasha
Baptiste and Rosie Hargreaves were on target for Walsall Wood as they shared a 2-2 draw with
AFC Telford Utd, who replied through Jessica Sayers and Megan Jones, meanwhile the match
between City of Stoke and Port Vale finished goalless. Tamworth picked up their first win,
4-0 against Wyrley Ladies thanks to Megan Chapman, Catherine Harris, Megan Sands and
Daisy Wynn.
Division One South leaders Knowle scored seven without reply past Droitwich Spa,
Demi-Lee Rolph was on target four times along with Samantha Smith (2) and Camile Abbotts.
Jodie McGuckin and Kirsty Farnsworth were the scorers for second placed Coventry Sphinx in
their 2-0 victory over Leamington Lions. Kingfisher replaced Long Itchington in third
after winning their meeting 4-3, Katie Edwards netting twice with Chloe Barker-Duthie and
Kellie Smith adding the others. Rea Marsh (2), Chelsea Mudge and Kirsty Roberts scored the
goals as Bewdley Town beat Rugby Borough 4-2, meanwhile Amy Botfish and Alicia Bailey
were on target for Sedgley & Gornal Utd as they drew 2-2 with Worcester City
Development. Chloe Debaes hit a hat-trick, with Grace Keenan and Kelly Worthington also on
the scoresheet for Rugby Town in their 5-0 victory over Westfields Women.

Mulbarton Belles will play the biggest match in their history on Sunday when they play Milton
Keynes Dons in the First Round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup and the Norfolk County
Women’s League side are determined not to be just making up the numbers.
Mulbarton are one of of the last two County League sides left in the competition - the other
being Consett Ladies - and they have set their sights on making an impression against their Tier
3 opponents.
“This is the furthest that Mulbarton Belles have ever reached in the FA Cup and whilst, due
to circumstances out of our control, we may have had an easier path to the First Round than most,
we are still very proud of the achievement,” midfielder Sophie Jermy told Women’s Soccer Scene.
“Whilst we have only existed as the newly formed Mulbarton Belles for a few years, a many
of the girls have played together for as much as 10+ years so we're very happy to be able to enjoy
this moment together as a team. Whilst we are happy to be involved in such an big game, we will
not let the occasion get to us and will treat it like any other match. Hopefully we can get a positive
result from the game, which will be a testament to the hard work the team has put in in
preparation. It's also important to say that we wouldn't be in a position to play in these types of
fixtures without the volunteers behind the scenes at Mulbarton whose tireless work is greatly
appreciated by all of us.”
"Being part of such a historic moment for the club in the FA Cup is going to be one of the
best experiences,” added Ellie Hunter. “I could not be prouder to be a part of this football family
and I know we will give it everything we’ve got!"
Kirstie Andrews commented: "I feel it will be an incredible experience to be part of,
knowing how much every player has been through to get to this moment in this football journey
together."
“To be playing in the first proper round of the FA Cup will be unbelievable,” said striker
Melissa Belsey. “It is what we have been waiting for, a moment to showcase our talent and ability
against a strong opposition.
“Although our run in the cup has been a mixed one, I believe we would have still been here.
We have faced a lot of challenging opponents in higher tiers recently, and it has only showcased
our ability of how good we are as underdogs. So the mindset for the game will be exactly the same,
if not more. With our supporters coming, it will only spur us on further to get the result we want.”
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk