The Blues best cup run in history is set to continue as the ladies team claimed another Premier League scalp, beating Peterborough Azure 2-0 to go into the first round proper of the women’s FA Cup.
On their way through the rounds the Blues had already beaten Premier League side Friar Lane and were confident of repeating the feat.
Peterborough started the game brightest with Long Eaton’s nerves showing through in the first 10 minutes however they did settle and the game became very competitive with both teams trying to take control of the tie.
The ladies confidence grew and Chloe Madden came tantalisingly close, her header going just inches over the bar.
The Peterborough reply was instant as their striker closed down the defence and found herself through on goal only to chip her effort over the bar.
The two teams continued to test each other with the Blues defence standing up well to the Premier League strikers and anything they could throw at them.
Despite both teams best efforts it remained goalless at half time.
The second half began with the Blues this time looking the brighter side, hassling the Peterborough back four.
The home side appeared to want the win more and after a long ball from midfield was chased down by Sarah Harrison it forced the defender into an attempted clearance just as the keeper came out to claim it and the ball rolled into the net putting the Blues one up.
It was the perfect start to the second half and came as a timely boost to the ladies. But there was still 40 minutes left on the clock and the Blues could not afford a lapse in concentration.
However the home side were out to prove a point and just minutes later, still reeling from the goal a Peterborough defender clumsily brought down a Long Eaton player in the box and the referee immediately pointed to the spot.
Kimi was on hand to take the spot kick but it agonisingly hit the post and the visitors were granted a reprieve as they managed to clear the ball.
The Blues continued to defend well as Peterborough fought to get back in the game.
Then good work from Sarah Harrison and Lindsey Strange down the left flank saw the Blues earn another penalty as Peterborough failed to deal Strange’s driving run.
Chloe Madden stepped up and smashed the ball past the Peterborough keeper.
Long Eaton now looked comfortable unlike Azure who couldn’t seem to get near the Blues goal and as frustrations grew the referee handed out a booking to a Peterborough midfielder.
The Blues were easily the better side in the second half and could have put more goals past the Northampton side, hitting the woodwork twice. However at the final whistle the Blues were ecstatic with the result, again proving their ability at a higher level and storming into the next round of the FA Cup.
Unbeaten Midlands Combination team Coventry City will visit Grange Park on the 8th November to face Long Eaton in the 1st round proper of the FA Cup. A challenge the Blues will certainly relish.
First though the ladies will need to beat Kingsthorpe at home next week to keep promotion hopes alive.
