FA Cup, 19/3/17, Hetton Centre

Goals : Baptiste (19), Shepherd (49)

The wind played havoc with the game at times where the ball could go anywhere. But was a really good game to watch where both teams were going for the win. Villa gave a really good account of themselves and was really unlucky to come away with nothing from the game. Sunderland in their first competitive game will no doubt improve as their Spring Series continues and want to wish them luck in the FA Cup and Spring Series. The Hetton Centre minus parking is a really nice venue to go and watch games at really enjoyed the day out up there.

Sunderland came out looking for the win and to crush any hopes Villa had it felt as we started a little slow. The wind caused every set piece to be a danger as the ball swirled around. A free kick on 13th minute went low and rebounded out to Williams for her to help Sunderland take the lead early on. 6 minutes later on Tash Baptiste helped us get back on level terms after Alice Hassall put the ball in the zone for Baptiste to head it home. Sunderland again made a set piece count as they took the lead before half time on the 35th minute as Hayley Sharp scored. Villa did well to keep it to 2-1 down at half time meaning they had a chance to win in the second half or even draw level.

Lucy Shepherd came out for the second half not wanting the FA Cup dream to end as she went close and then minutes later she once again broke the Sunderland defense leaving them for dead. 49 minutes Lucy drilled the ball home with an incredible goal bringing the score back level to 2-2 and a real chance to go on and win this tie. Lucy continued to be our most attacking threat with her pace but just couldn’t get the second goal she really deserved. Sunderland were awarded a penalty (I wana say a soft one but in honesty it was just unlucky as the ball struck our player) 65 minutes in Lucy Staniforth hit the ball into the net making it 3-2 and once again Villa had to battle to come from behind to try keep the FA Cup dream alive.

Being down for the 3rd time in the tie might of seen Villa head’s drop but they didn’t and as Sunderland started to tire we pushed and pushed while striking the woodwork from Kerri Welsh who even with little game time nearly changed the whole game. Going close and closer to getting the equalized. We battled until the final whistle but it just wasn’t enough. But the team did us fans and themselves proud in their performance.

Villa Ladies have a week off now as the next round of the FA Cup is on Sunday 26th March. Their next game is at home to Brighton on Sunday 2nd April which will be played at Tamworth FC with a 2pm kick off. The Development lost 5-0 to Birmingham City with a hatrick from Germany International Bella Linden. They next play against Liverpool Development Sunday March 26th (TBC) unsure of where and if this match will be 100% taking place as Liverpool have drawn a home tie in the FA Cup for where the Development game was meant to be played.

Chloe Beattie – Made an important save while we was 2-1 down which helped us stay in the game up till the 90+ minutes, one goal was a penalty so unlucky to leave having conceded three goals.

Hannah George – Helped push the team forward via the wing, was willing to put her body on the line to stop Sunderland when was needed to as well.

Jade Richards – Solid and always in control, could of staked a claim for player of the match too, always in the right position to get across and shield the ball or clear her lines.

Elisha N’Dow – Stood up to Sunderland getting her body in the way and making many important interceptions. Always a threat when get’s forward but also solid at the back.

Alice Hassall – Did well to stop anything that Sunderland tried to create, was in running for player of the match once again. Never let’s us down and i’m sure there is alot more to come as well from Alice.

Lucy Shepherd – My player of the match, scoring, tackling, running pretty much everything she could of done during the game she did. Great finish once again by Lucy making it 2-2

Katy Moran – Does so much off the ball that might go unnoticed at times, but once again put in a captains shift controlling the middle once again, huge player for us since she has been back.

Lucy Porter – All round just a star, so ahead of her years. Positioning and reading the game is always at a high. Always a pleasure to see her wearing the claret and blue as always helps us every game.

Beth Merrick – Quiet game but always a threat on dead ball situations to create something for our attacking options

Mollie Rouse – Constant pressure from Mollie put the Sunderland defense under pressure as she hounded them winning the ball back and stopping them building to many attacks.

Tash Baptiste – Worked hard up front again bringing us level at 1-1 with another goal this season. Always provides a huge threat for us when we start to attack.

Alys Hinchcliffe – Came on and tried to help the team push forward against Sunderland’s tiring advance giving them reason to panic

Kerri Welsh – So great to see Kerri getting game time even if it wasn’t enough to make much of an impact, hope in upcoming games can get more minutes to make a difference and influence the game.

Player Of The Match : Lucy Shepherd – Once again one of the most improved players this season. She scored a cracker to bring us back into the tie at 2-2 with some brilliance, using pace and power with a great finish. Alot of our attacks came from Lucy’s persistence to push the team forward. Always add’s important goals to her game. No doubt will be one of the best players in our squad as the Spring Series contiunes as well.