Reserves made the long trip down south worthwhile coming out 4-1 winners against Southampton Women. Reg Standish made 3 changes to the starting 11 from the win against Halifax with Santos Costa, Wheldon and Lumbert replacing Mallon, Sheard and Jones.

Southampton started on the front foot applying early pressure to the Feds backline. With 17 mins gone, excellent play by Ball saw her take on 2 players before driving a low cross into the box which unfortunately ricocheted of a Feds defender into the back of the net. This seemed to be the wake up call Feds needed and they soon started to apply pressure of their own. A great save from Southampton’s keeper denied Coward a well struck half volley but it didn’t take long for Coward to get on the scoresheet.  On 43 Minutes and a superb ball over the top from Landing sent Coward through on goal to slot into the bottom corner.

HT 1-1

The goal just before half time set Feds up for a fantastic second half, on 54 minutes Santos-Costa showed some great hold up play in the box to lay off to Coward who poked the ball over the line to make it 25 goals this season in all competitions. 1 minute later saw Santos-Costa again involved firing a beautiful effort from outside the box which left the Southampton keeper no chance. Feds no 1 Lockwood continued to pull of some impressive saves from the pacey Kjaer. With 15 minutes remaining a testing corner from Pennington was met by Clark who’s effort crashed off the crossbar. On the 86th minute substitute Gillespie got herself on the scoresheet with a fine finish from 25 yards out to seal the win.

An excellent performance in terrible weather conditions sees our Reserves reach the FAWNL Plate final for the very first time.

Lockwood, Edmondson (C), Carrington, Landing, Lumbert, Santos- Costa, Clark, Wheldon, Pennington, Pattison, Coward

Gillespie, Williams, Jones, Dentith, Sheard

Opp Player of the Match – Sophie Coward

Final – vs Peterborough United, 21st April, venue TBC