Page 18 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.13 2021-22

Wakefield U21 thanks to goals from Amber Kelly (2), Hannah Barden, Mariella De Lara, Connie
Dyson and Lucy Robinson. Meanwhile, United’s reserves made it a club double as they advanced
as 4-0 winners over West End Terriers. Chantelle Wenman netted the tie’s only goal as
Sheffield City caused an upset with an extra time win at SJR Worksop, while Handsworth
Development were another County League team to progress away to a Regional League side,
winning 4-1 at Millmoor Juniors thanks to goals from Liv Winstanley (2), Hollie Jenkins and
Katie Jepson. In an all-County League tie, Harworth Colliery were 3-0 winners over
Rotherham Utd Res who had yet to concede a goal in Division Three where they had plundered
34 goals in four games to date. Grace Sanderson (2) and Abbie France scored for Harworth. (Julian
Barker)
Netherton look to continue rise
Netherton United have been on an incredible journey recently. Although formed in 2003, in 2019
the team was on the verge of folding with only seven players left after a number of members had
left disillusioned with how the club and team were being run.
Chairman at the time Tony Blood appointed Lee Martin, manager of the Under-15 Girls
team. Together they developed a club strategy and growth plan which, despite Chairman Tony
Blood stepping away in 2020, Lee has continued to implement. This plan has seen the seven ladies
players grow to 40 in number and the creation this season of a Developmemt Team.
The first team have had a phenomenal rise from the ashes of 2019 (hence the team’s
nickname The Phoenix’s). The 2019-20 season did not conclude due but 2020-21 saw them win the
Cambridgeshire Women’s Premiership League and reach the Second Round Qualifying, their
furthest position in their history, where they lost out away to Long Eaton United.
This season they have an 100% record since starting in August, nine wins in nine matches
and they have made history again by being in the Second Round of the FA Cup, against - Long
Eaton. They are one of only two County League teams, along with Clapton Community, left in the
competition at this stage.
As a Tier 7 side, against a National League Tier 4 outfit, the challenge is immense. The
Phoenix's are aware of the ability of Long Eaton not just because of last year, but the Notts side beat
fellow National League side Peterborough Utd 4-0 in the last round.
Manager and Chairman Lee Martin told Women’s Soccer Scene: 'The atmosphere in the
club in incredible, we're just delighted to being in the Second Round and have already surpassed
all expectations. As a result there’s no pressure on us, we're happy to go and just enjoy the
experience on Sunday."
Megan Stickland, Club Secretary and captain, added: "It is fantastic for the Ladies to have
got to this stage in the FA Cup. As a squad, we are really relishing the moment of playing in the
Second Round and continuing to create history for this amazing Club. The Ladies have shown
immense character and determination to beat high league oppositions in the previous rounds and
we have earned the right to be where we are.
“We go into Sunday’s game with our minds focused, ensuring we leave everything on the
pitch and give 100% and walk off with smiles on our faces. All the Ladies are very excited for the
fixture and the prospect of getting into the Third Round."
Clapton aiming for Hounslow challenge
Clapton Community have made a number of headlines in the Vitality Women’s FA Cup this season
and on Sunday, the Greater London League side will aim to do so again then they play Hounslow
Women in the Second Round.
“This game will be our biggest test yet,” says secretary and goalkeeper Sophia Axelsson.
“We've faced teams in tier 6 and tier 5, and we've done remarkably well. But never have we faced a
team playing in tier 3, a full four tiers above us.
“We've started the season strongly, unbeaten in 11 of 11. We have grown throughout these
first three rounds in the FA Cup. We play with a maturity, and in the last game against Bedford, we
showed that we don't let the pressure get to us. We've made memories for life in this FA Cup run,
both on and off the pitch - and we've just gotten started!”
"The FA cup is magic,” added captain Alice Nutman. “It's a rare opportunity within football
where tiers and hierarchy no longer matter, it's 90 minutes, two teams and one winner. We can't
wait."
Issue no. 13 - 25 November 2021 womenssoccerscene@mail.com