WMG With the announcement of lockdown 2 still ringing in my ears, I set out for the Midlands on Sunday with my daughter. We were going to visit Nana & Gramps (my parents), get some shopping in, and get a visit in before Tuesday's revelations. As always, my daughter was keen for me to leave her with her grandparents, presumably so that she could ensure they knew exactly what she wanted for Christmas. So, I decided to take the opportunity to nip down to Stourbridge and sample some Women's FA Cup action between Stourbridge Ladies and Crusaders Ladies, a team from the Bournville area of Birmingham. A little strange that I was going to watch a Third Qualifying Round game on the same day that Manchester City and Everton would be contesting last season's Final at an empty Wembley Stadium.
The Ground
I have been to the War Memorial Ground more times than I care to remember, but I was quite shocked to find that this was my first visit since Stourbridge's 0-0 draw with Witton Albion in the 2017-18 season. After a quick visit to the club shop to get a club mask for my Dad (and one for me), I followed the new one-way system around the back of the clubhouse into the ground. Not that much has changed since my last visit. The ground has been spruced up, as you would expect, but my main thought, as I made my way towards the Shed End, was just how much I like the ground and how much I had missed being there. Maybe a bit of nostalgia, given the current world circumstances, but it's close to half a century since I first watched Stourbridge play there and I certainly hope I'll be back there many more times yet.
The Ground
I have been to the War Memorial Ground more times than I care to remember, but I was quite shocked to find that this was my first visit since Stourbridge's 0-0 draw with Witton Albion in the 2017-18 season. After a quick visit to the club shop to get a club mask for my Dad (and one for me), I followed the new one-way system around the back of the clubhouse into the ground. Not that much has changed since my last visit. The ground has been spruced up, as you would expect, but my main thought, as I made my way towards the Shed End, was just how much I like the ground and how much I had missed being there. Maybe a bit of nostalgia, given the current world circumstances, but it's close to half a century since I first watched Stourbridge play there and I certainly hope I'll be back there many more times yet.
Glassgirls huddle The Background
This game was a match-up between two clubs boating a 100% record this season. Crusaders, who play in the West Midlands Regional Women's Premier League one division above Stourbridge, had played two league games, beating Redditch United 3-0 at home and following up with a 3-2 defeat of City of Stoke in the Potteries. In the FA Cup they saw off Kidderminster Harriers 1-0 in the Preliminary Round, then defeated Stourbridge's league-mates Cookley Sports 4-0 before beating Oadby & Wigston 3-2 in Leicestershire.
Stourbridge, three for three in the league with a goal difference of 25-0, started in the FA Cup with an 8-0 defeat of Port Vale, they then conceded the only goal of this season so far in defeating Wryley 8-1 at home. Following that they won 6-0 at Knowle and 5-0 at Worcester City.
This game was a match-up between two clubs boating a 100% record this season. Crusaders, who play in the West Midlands Regional Women's Premier League one division above Stourbridge, had played two league games, beating Redditch United 3-0 at home and following up with a 3-2 defeat of City of Stoke in the Potteries. In the FA Cup they saw off Kidderminster Harriers 1-0 in the Preliminary Round, then defeated Stourbridge's league-mates Cookley Sports 4-0 before beating Oadby & Wigston 3-2 in Leicestershire.
Stourbridge, three for three in the league with a goal difference of 25-0, started in the FA Cup with an 8-0 defeat of Port Vale, they then conceded the only goal of this season so far in defeating Wryley 8-1 at home. Following that they won 6-0 at Knowle and 5-0 at Worcester City.
Looking towards the pavilion
The Game
The game was well-contested from the first minute with both sides probing to find gaps in what looked to be two tight defensive units. Both right flanks seemed to be the focus with Carly Aldred for Stourbridge and Jessica Tsapparelli for Crusaders looking very lively. Despite this neither team managed to test the opposing goalkeepers early on.
That was until the 21st minute when Glassgirls captain Courtney Murphy decided to try her luck from outside the box. She struck her shot well but Crusaders keeper Justine Lewis was equal to it, tipping the ball over the bar. The respite was sort-lived however. From the resultant corner, taken by Amber Lawrence, Ruby Meeson was on hand to force the ball over the line. 1-0
Despite a mini rally from the away side after going behind, it was Stourbridge who continued to look the more menacing of the two sides. Lil-Beth Bown's willingness to make runs almost saw her set free and Carly Aldred's pace prompted by Amber Lawrence's passing was a constant threat. Not that the Glassgirls' defence could relax though. Crusaders continued to look a very capable side, with Tsapparelli and Kisty Spencer both testing Amie Summers in the home goal.
Five minutes before half-time Stourbridge once again broke down their right-flank through Aldred. She beat her defender and drove into the box before appearing to be felled by a clumsy looking challenge. From my vantage point it was as clear a penalty as you could wish to see. However, neither the assistant or referee, who both appeared to have good views, indicated a spot kick much to the amazement of Stourbridge players and supporters.
HT Stourbridge 1 Crusaders 0. The Glassgirls edged the half in terms of possession and chances, but were made to work very hard by a competitive and industrious Crusaders team who continued to look a threat throughout.
The game was well-contested from the first minute with both sides probing to find gaps in what looked to be two tight defensive units. Both right flanks seemed to be the focus with Carly Aldred for Stourbridge and Jessica Tsapparelli for Crusaders looking very lively. Despite this neither team managed to test the opposing goalkeepers early on.
That was until the 21st minute when Glassgirls captain Courtney Murphy decided to try her luck from outside the box. She struck her shot well but Crusaders keeper Justine Lewis was equal to it, tipping the ball over the bar. The respite was sort-lived however. From the resultant corner, taken by Amber Lawrence, Ruby Meeson was on hand to force the ball over the line. 1-0
Despite a mini rally from the away side after going behind, it was Stourbridge who continued to look the more menacing of the two sides. Lil-Beth Bown's willingness to make runs almost saw her set free and Carly Aldred's pace prompted by Amber Lawrence's passing was a constant threat. Not that the Glassgirls' defence could relax though. Crusaders continued to look a very capable side, with Tsapparelli and Kisty Spencer both testing Amie Summers in the home goal.
Five minutes before half-time Stourbridge once again broke down their right-flank through Aldred. She beat her defender and drove into the box before appearing to be felled by a clumsy looking challenge. From my vantage point it was as clear a penalty as you could wish to see. However, neither the assistant or referee, who both appeared to have good views, indicated a spot kick much to the amazement of Stourbridge players and supporters.
HT Stourbridge 1 Crusaders 0. The Glassgirls edged the half in terms of possession and chances, but were made to work very hard by a competitive and industrious Crusaders team who continued to look a threat throughout.
Stourbridge corner Crusaders looked even more fired up as the second half started and immediately had Stourbridge on the back foot. It was time for the Glassgirls to show why they had only conceded one goal in seven games. They did this admirably. The entire defensive line stood firm, supported well by a midfield that was being pushed deeper by the Crusaders onslaught. However, as the half progressed and Crusaders pushed more players forward looking for an equaliser, it left space for Stourbridge to use their pace in behind the visitors defence. Hollie Somers was brought on giving them width on both sides, with Aldred and the over-lapping runs of Thacker on the left and Somers on the right. Somers almost got on the scoresheet but once again Crusaders keeper Justine Lewis saved very well to deny her. Aldred also burst through only to be denied by Lewis who, it has to be said, was having a very good game. At the other end Lilley put an effort just over Preston's crossbar before Stourbridge hit their visitors twice to sew the game up. First of all in the 86th minute substitute Alex Nicklin slipped a superb pass inside the left-back from Somers to run onto. Her low cross was controlled and finished superbly by Amber Lawrence for 2-0. Lawrence was then booked by the referee for celebrating too much. Crazy decision.
Then, with Crusaders still battling to get back into the game, Courtney Murphy lined up another long-range effort, giving Lewis no hope with a perfectly placed shot into the top corner. 3-0
FT Stourbridge 3 Crusaders 0. A superb result for The Glassgirls who progress into the First Round for the first time in their history. However, the final score line is harsh on Crusaders who were well in the game until the final few minutes. Two very good footballing teams who served up one of the most entertaining games I have seen this season. Stourbridge will now face an away trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers in Rouinds One.
Stourbridge: Preston, Thacker, Bate, Heaselgrave, Turvey, Lawrence, Moran, Bown, Murphy(c), Meeson, Aldred. Subs: Allen, Plimmer, Coleman, Nicklin, Somers
Att: 252
Ground Number: Re-Visit
Entrance: £4.00
Programme: £2.00
Then, with Crusaders still battling to get back into the game, Courtney Murphy lined up another long-range effort, giving Lewis no hope with a perfectly placed shot into the top corner. 3-0
FT Stourbridge 3 Crusaders 0. A superb result for The Glassgirls who progress into the First Round for the first time in their history. However, the final score line is harsh on Crusaders who were well in the game until the final few minutes. Two very good footballing teams who served up one of the most entertaining games I have seen this season. Stourbridge will now face an away trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers in Rouinds One.
Stourbridge: Preston, Thacker, Bate, Heaselgrave, Turvey, Lawrence, Moran, Bown, Murphy(c), Meeson, Aldred. Subs: Allen, Plimmer, Coleman, Nicklin, Somers
Att: 252
Ground Number: Re-Visit
Entrance: £4.00
Programme: £2.00
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