FA Cup Progress Secured as FC St Helens Women Battle to 2–1 Victory in the North East

Match report by Jess Muirhead, images by Laura Gates

Sunday 5th October saw FC St Helens Women make their furthest journey yet as a team- a 125-mile trip up to the North East to face Thornaby FC.

The hosts came into the fixture unbeaten and sitting top of the North East Regional Premier League. Their strong start to the season saw them defeat Sunderland West End Ladies 4-3 to reach this stage of the FA Cup. FC St Helens matched their form, arriving unbeaten after an 8-0 victory over Hyde United FC in the previous round of the competition. 

It was a competitive first half, with both teams battling well in blustery conditions. FC St Helens’ in-form winger, Sophie Griffiths, came closest to breaking the deadlock within the opening five minutes. After a mix-up at the back for Thornaby, Griffiths found herself with an opportunity to put the away side ahead; however, the tight angle made it difficult to connect cleanly, and the chance went begging.  

Becky Barker also came close to converting from close range, but her effort was superbly denied by Thornaby goalkeeper Laura Wareham, who reacted brilliantly to deny Barker the opening goal. At the other end, Nicole Cassar was on hand to make a number of saves from distance, and dealt confidently with balls over the top. The Stripes were disciplined in their positioning all over the pitch, limiting Thornaby's opportunities to score. 

At half-time, the Stripes went in the happier of the two sides, having created the better chances. Determined to make this count, the away side came out after the break with renewed energy, and this persistence soon paid off.

The breakthrough came courtesy of FC youngster, Ava McKenny, who produced a moment of brilliance. Following excellent work down the left from Dervla Mannion, Barker received the ball in the middle of the pitch before playing a through ball to McKenny on the right. With space to run into, McKenny unleashed a stunning strike from 20 yards, leaving the Thornaby goalkeeper with no chance. The spectacular finish stunned the home support into silence and sent the FC bench and travelling supporters into delirium- a well deserved lead for the Stripes after a determined start to the second half. 

The second goal followed soon after, stemming from a long ball by Cassar. Dervla Mannion raced onto it and drove at the Thornaby goalkeeper, whose save fell kindly into the path of the onrushing Sophie Griffiths. The winger reacted quickest and doubled the advantage.

The closing stages saw the game take a tense turn. With just minutes remaining, Sophie Curle pulled one back for Thornaby, poking the ball under Cassar from close range. In the aftermath, tempers flared as an FC defender tried to delay the restart and was bowled over in the goalmouth by an opposing player, who was shown a red card for violent conduct. A few FC players were also cautioned with yellow cards as emotions ran high.

Despite a nervous finish, FC St Helens held firm to secure a memorable away victory, booking their place in the First Round Proper of the FA Cup for the second consecutive year. It was another remarkable result against a team from the tier above, with the Stripes’ determination and resilience ultimately proving the difference on the day.