FA Womens Cup Sponsored by E.ON
HEATH BEAT HIGHER OPPONENTS
Crowborough 1 Haywards Heath Town 4 (AET) (Mel Bramley 2, Mica Saunders, Jo Ashworth) - 2nd Sept 2007
Heath arrived at Crowborough, who play two Divisions above Heath in the London & South East Counties League, for a repeat of last season's FA Cup game determined to get a more satisfactory outcome. Heath immediately put pressure on the Crowborough defence with some fine runs from new signings Caz Walters and Jo Ashworth and began to create openings. Heath went ahead on 16 minutes when Mica Saunders moved the ball onto her left foot and hit a sweet shot into the roof of the net following a penetrating move involving Walters, Ashworth and Mel Bramley. Heath continued to play well but were hit on the break and the Crowborough forward lobbed new keeper Rachel Virgo.
In the second half Heath were competitive but could not get the second goal and on occasions were indebted to some fine saves from Virgo. Walters was unlucky not to score from a rebound and shortly afterwards Heath had a penalty denied. Both sides had their chances but Heath looked the more likely to score.
The match moved into extra time with Karen Bridgewater replacing Saunders and Heath scored within two minutes of the restart when the lively Bramley hit an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net from outside the area . Three minutes later Bramley scored her 2nd to virtually put the game beyond doubt Heath were now on top and their superior fitness was beginning to count.
In the second period Heath, with 5 mins remaining scored a further excellent goal, Ashworth scoring on her debut with Heath, after a long run by Bramley This was a superb professional performance from the whole team against a club two divisions above them. Special mention must go to Bramley, Walters and Ashworth who were outstanding, whilst Rachel Virgo, playing her 1st game in goal, showed what a fine prospect she is .
Heath reward is a home tie at Hanbury on Sunday 16th Sept against Sheerness from the Leagues Premier Div .
Team: Rachel Virgo; Debbie Johnson; Penny Gittins; Julie Hawthorne; Eve Todhunter; Michelle Winnard (Claire Imray 65mins );Caz Walters (Lou Creasey 115); Cath Diffey; Mica Saunders (Karen Bridgewater 90mins ); Mel Bramley; Jo Ashworth.
Subs not used: Mel Conniff; Fran Pritlove.
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