WCWFC 2-0 Redditch Borough
City progress in the FA Cup after a 2-0 victory over Redditch Borough.
Worcester started the game well, dominating lots of the ball, and came close to opening the scoring in the 7th minute after Sime hit the post. Redditch poorly gave the ball away from a goal kick which went straight to the feet of Sime, who got the ball out of her feet and hit a quick low shot towards goal, it squirmed under the keeper and hit the post.
City kept pushing for the opener and came close again in the 16th minute after Rogers' snapshot from just inside the box was smartly saved by the Redditch keeper down to her right.
In the 29th minute, Sime hit the woodwork again after an outrageous effort from distance from a free kick thundered the underside of the crossbar.
Shortly after, Rogers came close again with a close-range effort which the keeper came across quickly to produce a massive save to keep Redditch level. Moments later, Congrave had a go from distance which was sailing for the top right corner but the keeper got a hand to it again.
Towards the end of the half, Redditch had a couple of efforts themselves, one from inside the box which Stolt saved comfortably, and a free kick which sailed over the bar. Both teams went in level at the break with no goals scored.
Redditch Borough produced the first big chance of the second half in the 54th minute after their number 10 was making strides in the City half on the counter-attack and came face to face with Stolt who made a huge save to keep City level. Not long after, Rogers came close for City after her half-volley from distance landed on the roof of the net.
In the 67th minute, City looked to change the game with the introduction of three substitutions. Crew, Ritson, and Bate came on for Rogers, Griffiths, and Robinson. The changes sparked some more urgency in Worcester who nearly got the opener after Fassnidge's quick shot in a crowded box was saved by the keeper. A couple of minutes later, Congrave had another go from distance but the effort hit the roof of the net.
With Worcester probing more and more, they finally got their goal after Crew's effort was headed off the line and Mitcham was there to head in from close range.
As the game was approaching the 90-minute mark, Stolt collided with a Redditch player as they both went for the loose ball, the challenge kept Stolt on the floor and resulted in them being stretchered off. After a delay of over 10 minutes, Fassnidge covered in goal as City went down to ten players having made all of their subs.
In the 102nd minute of the game, City sealed the victory after Congrave headed in Ritson's perfect corner from close range. A couple of minutes later the full-time whistle blew as two goals and a clean sheet see Worcester into the hat for the FA Cup First Round Proper. A notable mention is deserved to Marriott who made her City debut and was solid at the back.