Town's FA Cup run continues
Shrewsbury Town Ladies marched into the next round of the Women’s FA Cup with a comfortable win over Leek Town Ladies.
Millie Young was the only change made by manager Alex Owens following last weekend’s win over Shrewsbury Juniors, coming in for the injured Tania Prior.
Town second soon followed, this time Danni Garrett turned provider for Doster who drove her shot into the top left corner to give some breathing space for Town.
The game appeared to be out of Leek’s reach when Town grabbed their third on 22 minutes. Good work from Charlotte Budd on the wing saw her beat a defender before pulling the ball back for Young to finish at the back post.
Leek did pull a goal back from a corner, but Town quickly responded with a Charlotte Sewell tap in, courtesy of another decisive cross from Budd.
Halt Time: 4 – 1
Town continued to dominate in the second half, controlling the game comfortably as they looked to maintain their three goal cushion.
They continued to pile the pressure on Leek and rounded off the win with a fifth goal on 65 minutes, when Durnall’s deflected shot compounded Leek’s misery.
Leek did pull one back after reacting quickest to pounce on a Beth Cleveley save in the Town goal, but it was merely a consolation as full time approached.
Town went close again with Durnall and Garrett both hitting the woodwork late on, but Town will progress into the next round full of confidence after an assured performance.
Goalscorer Nicola Durnall said after the game: “It was a great result today. We’re looking forward to the next round and as a team we want to get through.
“We know we can get through and we can’t wait for the draw.”
Ladies boss Alex Owens was pleased to see another high scoring display from his side, and added: “The forwards were phenomenal once again. We look extremely dangerous in attack with the speed and quality of the players.
“But you have to credit the whole team. Once again the defence shaped the team well, and it’s exciting being in the next round of the FA Cup.
“We have given the players freedom to go and show us what they can do.”
Next up for the Ladies is a trip to Aston Villa’s Development Squad on Wednesday, where Owens is planning on giving game time to the fringe players of the squad.
“Wednesday will be a good test. The game is ideal as we can give players who haven’t had many minutes a chance to once again showcase their abilities.”
Kick-off is 7:45pm at Heath Hayes FC.