Page 30 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.6 2022-23

Sunday afternoon is a huge game for Chesterfield Ladies FC. If the Blues defeat Wem Town Ladies,
then it would be the first time in 12 years that the club has reached the First Round proper of the
Vitality Women's FA Cup.
Despite the opposition being a tier above, the club really fancy their chances of causing an
upset. The team have won every single competitive game so far this season and confidence is sky
high. The club has grown significantly in the past few years and have huge ambitions of climbing up
the league pyramid as far as possible. While the priority for this season is still undoubtedly achieving
promotion to the fourth tier, an historic FA Cup run would be unbelievable for the club in terms of
further boosting our profile; not just within the town of Chesterfield and the local community, but as
a force to be reckoned with too in the women's game.
Manager, Mike Noon told Women’s Soccer Scene: "Looking at how our own season is going
so far and looking at how Wem Town's season has been going, it should be a good game. We're at the
top end of our table and they;re around mid-table in their league, so I'd like to think we can go to their
place and compete with them. If we can go there and give a good account of themselves and they have
an off day, then we've got a chance. We did really well in the previous qualifying round to give us this
chance next weekend.
“Qualifying for the first round proper would be a fantastic achievement. So that's the aim; we
give a good account of ourselves and we go for the win which would be brilliant for everyone involved
at the club."
"I think it's the best position to be in - to be going in as underdogs for a game like this one,”
added striker Gina Camfield. There's no pressure on you. We can go there and play the football that
we know we can play and enjoy ourselves; and when you enjoy yourselves, that's when you end up
playing your best football. I think it's going to be nice to go into a game without any pressure. It's
going to be great. We've got to remember that Wem Town Ladies play in a tier that we're aiming to
win promotion to this season - so Sunday will be a great challenge, not just for our FA Cup run, but
to see how we stack up against teams that are already playing at this level. It will give us a good idea
of what we need to work on for next season hopefully.
"A win would be amazing for the club. How the club has progressed in the last few years has
been phenomenal. We've got a great following already. It would be so exciting to expand that fan
base. The funding for prize money now is incredible - the money that we would receive for a win on
Sunday would support our facilities, our training and what we have access to."

After several seasons where teams from the FA Women’s National League were exempt until the
third round (round of 16), everyone was included in the draw for the first round which paired holders
Huddersfield Town away to geographical neighbours Penistone Church (the County League outfit
several tiers below Town). The inevitable mismatch was virtually all over with the game still in its
infancy. Town finished 16-0 winners, though the margin would have been larger but for them taking
the sensible option to voluntarily reduce their numbers below 11 in the second half. There were
hat-tricks for both Laura Elford and Laura Hulme, while Serena Fletcher, Autumn Housley, Ria
Montgomery and Mia Parry each scored twice. Ella Furlong and Beth Ibbotson completed the scoring.
Handsworth ran out 15-0 away winners against Kiveton Park Res. Katie Jepson was top
individual scorer with fove, while there were hat-tricks for both Jess Birtles and Jade Richards. Katie
Tattershall (2), Connie Hibbert and Emma Rowland completed the scoring. Both Crystal Lisle and
Abby Watkinson netted 4 times as Millmoor Juniors finished 8-1 winners over AFC Norton
Woodseats. Brunsmeer Athletic were 8-2 victors at Sheffield Utd Community Foundation
Development, Channy Rymer scoring both for the hosts.
Rachel Hale and Lottie Tattam were Rotherham Utd’s scorers in their 2-0 success at Barnsley
(Women’s) Reserves. Philippa Cassidy’s first half goal settled matters for Sheffield FC at home to
Barnsley Ladies. Abbygayle Hodkin bagged a hat-trick with Mia Harris also scoring as Huddersfield
Development won 4-1 at SJR Worksop, Amber Ellis scoring for the hosts.
Molly Jennings scored both for Sheffield City in their 2-0 win at Wickersley Youth. Demi
Booth, Carly Gill, Becky Hill and Emily Osgerby were on target for Dronfield Town who progress ed
with a 4-1 home win over Mexborough Athletic.
(Julian Barker)
news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk