BLACKBURN Rovers Ladies have reached the final of the Lancashire FA Women’s Challenge Cup for the 12th season in succession.

Gemma Donnelly’s side set up a showpiece showdown against Morecambe with a nail-biting penalty shoot-out success over Preston North End.

The semi-final tie between last season’s finalists, staged at a snow-hit Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, ended 0-0 after 90 minutes.

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Both goalkeepers were busy with returning Rovers number one Jo Hutcheson saving from Karen Boyle and Yasmine Swarbrick.

At the other end Danielle Brown kept out Nicola Twohig and Georgia Stanway, while the post denied Danielle Sheen.

Spot-kicks were required and it was Rovers, beaten in the 2014 final by Preston, who kept their cool with Lynda Shepherd netting what proved to be the winning penalty.

Rovers now turn their attention to the FA Women’s Cup. They welcome Portsmouth to AFC Darwen on Sunday for a third-round clash (1pm) after winning their rearranged second-round tie against Liverpool Feds 13-2.

Karen Boyle bagged five goals with Sheen (3), Jess Holbrook (2), Alex Taylor, Sophie Jones (2) also getting in on the act.

Rovers boss Donnelly said: “Considering it was our first competitive fixture since November, it was especially pleasing to play so well and record such a convincing victory.

“I’ve got to give special praise to Kaz for her five goals. I also want to mention Amie Fleming, who was an absolute workhorse in midfield.”