Accrington Stanley Women will play in the first round of the FA Cup for the first time in the club’s history, after they fought back from 2-0 down to secure a thrilling 5-2 win against Macclesfield FC Women on Sunday.
A sensational half-volley from Emily Owens and braces from Grace Hindley and Niamh Corrigan earned the victory for James Mallett’s side, who put in a commanding second-half performance after finding themselves trailing 2-0 after just 10 minutes.
Stanley Women will now travel to Yorkshire to take on Rossington Main Ladies FC in the first round proper of the FA Cup, with the tie to be played on Sunday, November 3.
Sunday’s win also means Stanley Women have won 10 out of 10 in all competitions so far this season, scoring 48 times in the process.
Starting with a depleted squad due to illness, Stanley Women were on the back foot from the first whistle, and early defensive lapses saw them concede twice in the opening 10 minutes, leaving the home side with a mountain to climb.
Despite the early setbacks, Mallett’s side regained their composure and started to dictate the tempo of the game, which saw them create several chances as the first half wore on.
Stanley’s perseverance was eventually rewarded, with Hindley latching onto a brilliant defence-splitting pass from Flossie Jones, before slotting the ball home to make it 2-1.
More chances came for the home side, but an equaliser evaded them, as Stanley Women went into the break still trailing.
With tactical changes made at half time, the hosts came back out firing on all cylinders and their renewed intensity was immediately rewarded, with Hindley once again running onto a fantastic through ball, this time from Ocean Flanagan, before finding the back of the net to make it 2-2.
Now dominating proceedings, the Stanley Women attacking play was relentless and their pressure paid off when Corrigan pounced on a rebound from a Hindley effort, firing home to give Mallett’s side the lead for the first time in the match.
Eager to go further ahead, Stanley Women continued to press forward, and it was not long before Lily Edmondson spotted another opportunity, sending a perfectly timed pass through to Corrigan, who calmly finished, to make it 4-2.
With wave after wave of attacks coming from Stanley Women, they soon added a fifth. Edmondson was the provider once again, delivering a well-placed free-kick into the box, which dropped perfectly for Owens, who struck a stunning half-volley, which rebounded off the post and into the net.
Despite further chances to extend their lead, Stanley Women’s commanding second-half performance ensured they emerged comfortable winners, with the final whistle signalling a historic achievement for the club.
Head coach Mallett said: “I couldn’t be prouder of the team today. To go 2-0 down so early, and to fight back in the way we did, shows the incredible spirit, resilience, and togetherness of this group.
“To come away with a 5-2 victory, especially with a depleted squad due to illness and other circumstances, speaks volumes about the character and determination of these players.
“Making history by progressing to the first round proper for the first time in the club’s history is a huge achievement, and all the credit must go to the players who gave everything, as well as the whole squad who’ve contributed throughout this journey. I also want to give special thanks to the team behind the team.
“I feel incredibly privileged to be working with such a talented group of players and to be surrounded by staff who share the same ambition to compete and succeed in every competition. Today is a proud moment for the club, and it’s down to the unity and drive of everyone involved.”
Elsewhere, Accrington Stanley Women Reserves secured a 4-1 win against GT7 Academy to keep them second in the Lancashire Women’s County League Premier, with goals from Olivia Johnston, Lucy Earnshaw and a double from Madison Purdy.
Meanwhile the Accrington Stanley Women Development Team suffered a 13-0 defeat against Radcliffe FC Women Reserves.
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