We entered this weekend eager to continue our dominant start to the season, facing a local rival in the second-round qualifier of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup. Despite typical British weather making conditions less than ideal, the Worms didn’t let the rain dampen their spirits.
With only one change from last week’s impressive 6-0 home win, Gosnell returned to the starting lineup, replacing Hawksworth on the left wing. Donning our popular yellow kit, which has brought us much cup success over the last two seasons, we were ready for action, and the day did not disappoint.
Our first goal came within the first minute of play, courtesy of the ever-reliable Fleming, Wormley Ladies’ all-time leading scorer. Her clinical strike found the bottom corner, giving us an early 1-0 lead. As the half progressed, we created several chances, with Fox hitting the post, but St. Margaretsbury’s defense held strong, and we went into halftime with a slender 1-0 advantage.
The second half saw one change, as Mehmet made way for Grogen at full-back. We continued the aggressive, high-pressing football from the first half, and it didn’t take long to double our lead. In the 55th minute, Gosnell received a clever switch of play to the left flank, cut inside onto her favored right foot, and calmly placed the ball into the back of the net. That marked her last contribution, as she was substituted for Hawksworth, and Fox made way for Purdue, who was making her long-awaited return to the club.
Hawksworth, fresh off a stunning three-assist performance in our previous fixture against Lawford, wasted no time making her mark. After a sublime first touch, she bent the ball into the top far corner with her second, putting us up 3-0. With the Worms still not hitting full stride, we were cruising toward another victory. The goals kept coming, with Hawksworth adding a second to her tally, making it five goal contributions in her last two games. Not long after, the star of the day, Fleming, netted her second, bringing her total to an incredible 65 goals in 43 appearances for Wormley, cementing her status as a true asset to our team.
The match ended with a convincing 5-0 win, and we now move confidently into the next round, eagerly awaiting our opponents on October 16th, where we hope for a home draw to put on a great show for our supporters.
