Stourbridge Ladies have made the third round of the FA Cup as they knocked out tier four side Cambridge City.
The Glassgirls reached the third round of the competition for the first time in the club’s history by winning 2-1. The goals came from Esme Moran and an own goal by Cambridge’s Tomlinson.
Midfielder Moran said: “It was great to score the first goal of the day, I feel it got the ball rolling for us and gave us all the belief that it was a game we could win.
“The shift we have put in not only this season, but over the last few years has been amazing, it’s genuinely felt like we haven’t stopped. From strength and conditioning to our reactions at training, we always support one another and keep pushing to be better.”
This is the best FA Cup run Stourbridge have had over the last two years. They made it to the first round of the competition last season but they lost 3-0 to Wolves Women.
Manager Andy Fisher said: “Words can’t describe the feeling of getting through, I was so emotional at full time which shows how proud I am.
“This cup run hasn’t been easy at all so to keep getting through against higher ranked teams is extra special, it shows the quality of the team and staff we have to rise to these challenges and most of all win the games.”
Cambridge City were the favourites to progress to the third round as they currently sit eighth in the FA Women’s National League Division One South East. One division higher than Stourbridge.
Moran added: “I honestly believe the sky is the limit for the team this season, as long as we keep working hard and stick together anything is possible.
“If we were to get a championship side in the next round it would be very tough but we promise we will give it our all whoever we get drawn against.
“And as great as the FA Cup run is for the club, we are still focusing on the league and will continue to work hard to achieve our long term goal of promotion.”
Stourbridge took control of the game early on, they scored just 13 minutes in, forced the Cambridge keeper to make some saves and then grabbed another goal ten minutes before half time.
In the second half Cambridge scored with around 25 minutes left to play. Just five minutes later The Glassgirls were awarded a penalty. Captain Courteney Murphy stepped up but her effort was saved.
In the final ten minutes Cambridge piled on the pressure and pushed for the goal to take the game to extra time but Stourbridge held on.
Fisher added: “We were up against it at times during the game but we dug deep and got the win.
“The success of the ladies today will only enable Stourbridge to grow further. When I joined the club four years ago my ambition was to be where we are today.
“The girls section is thriving, and with a record breaking FA Cup run this season, Stourbridge is a very exciting club to be a part of at the moment.”
The Glassgirls were due to find out their second round opponent on November 29.
Moran said: “We would love a home draw, it would really mean a lot to us as a team.
“Our two previous draws haven’t been close to home really, but the amount of support we’ve received at the games and on social media has been incredible, none of it goes unnoticed.”
Stourbridge Ladies are next in action in the FA Cup third round on Sunday December 12. They have no scheduled league fixture so far on Sunday December 5.
For updates follow Stourbridge Ladies on Twitter @StourbridgeLFC.
