Torquay United’s Women reached the second round of the Vitality Women’s FA Cup – for the first time in their history – courtesy of a highly professional 2-0 win at Warminster Town Ladies. A goal in each half, from Mia Preston and Ellie Bishop, secured a deserved victory on an uneven playing surface at Weymouth Street.
Manager, Steve Elswood, continued the creativity in his line-up as injuries continue to plague his squad, making two changes to the starting 11 which beat Bristol Rovers a week ago. Laura Lewis started at right back with Rebecca McMullin back in midfield, which meant Jana Richards pushed up as the central forward in United’s attacking three.
The visitors began the game in pretty much the same way as they had in the home league encounter, in control for the opening quarter of an hour. Having gone close through Tracey Cross, Richards and Bishop in those opening exchanges, it was Torquay’s number 15 the provider. Bishop tamed the bobbly pitch to pull the ball back for Mia Preston, courtesy of a Richards dummy on the edge of the box, allowing Preston to stroke home the opener.
However, just as in the league game in October, Warminster reacted better to the goal, growing in confidence as the half progressed, though Emma Ayres was rarely troubled in United’s goal , thanks to a sturdy back four, as ever, kept focused by the impressive Emma Hunt. On the one occasion Ayres was beaten, from a set piece on the Warminster left, one of a host of yellow shirts was there to deny the hosts an equaliser.
Whatever Elswood said at the interval did the trick as United bossed the second half from the off, creating half-chance after half-chance but unable to find that elusive final ball until the midway point of the half, when a precise through ball split the Warminster back line and allowed Bishop to beat Cross in a foot race to finish.
The half was marred by a serious injury to one of the Warminster ladies, to whom we wish a speedy recovery. United, though, were able to comfortably see out the final quarter and nearly ten minutes of stoppage time to secure their place in round two.
The draw for the Vitality Women’s FA Cup Second Round has been made with United’s first venture into this stage of the competition an away draw at Bournemouth Sports Centre; details of dates and times to follow.
Manager Steve Elswood gave his reaction to the win and the Second Round draw:
“I was delighted with the result against a very young and energetic team, though the pitch was a pretty poor playing surface, due to the weather, for both sides. However, I thought we were brilliant throughout and gave a very good account of ourselves in the 90 minutes. We scored a well-worked first-half goal and then looked well in control for the remaining part of the match with our ‘keeper being rarely troubled.
“Sealing the game with a second, to clinch the tie, along with our control and management of the game through the 90 minutes, was really pleasing. We are delighted with another clean sheet, and we move on to the next round of the competition for the first time in our history.
“We’ve been drawn away against Bournemouth Sports F.C. who we don’t know a lot about, so I will ensure we do our research to find out about them, and once again, it’s a good draw for us having avoided any National League opposition. With the prize money available, and the accolade of making the Third Round, where the Championships sides enter, we know we will have to be focused and disciplined and treat the game as professionally as possible to ensure we give Bournemouth Sports F.C. the respect they fully deserve.
“We’re very much looking forward to the match, and it’s one that keeps this FA Cup journey moving forward for us into its historical fourth fixture, but next week its back to a crucial league game to focus on our National League promotion aim.”
Pictures contributed: Warminster Town F.C.