Nottingham Forest sail through to the second official round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup after a 3-1 victory against Boldmere St Michaels.
Carly Davies made three changes to the starting eleven that secured the Reds a place in the quarter finals of the FA WNL Cup, with Emily Batty, Natalie Johnson and Sophie Domingo returning to the eleven.
Boldmere opened the first half on the front foot, pushing for the lead almost immediately. In the 7th minute, Nottingham Forest’s defensive line lacked structure, allowing Boldmere to weave through. Sending in a strike from distance, Batty was able to retrieve the ball before it crossed the line.
Hollie Olding was quick to retaliate, taking the first shot of the game for Forest. Spotting an opening in play, Olding delivered a long-range effort that narrowly sailed past the goal.
Forest took the lead in the 20th minute, as Melissa Johnson bagged her first of the game. Chandarana drove forward, playing Domingo down the right wing, before picking out Johnson on the edge of the box. Johnson’s one-touch finish proved too much for the Boldmere keeper, giving Forest the lead.
Another chance came for Johnson in the 39th minute, but a well-executed save from the opposition’s keeper saw the number 9’s shot denied at the near post.
Charlie Wellings doubled the Reds lead shortly before the interval, as a scramble to clear the ball by Boldmere proved unsuccessful. Lyndsey Harkin delivered a long ball over the top of the Boldmere defence, through to Sophie Domingo who found herself unmarked in a large open space. Domingo was unable to make anything of the space, as Boldmere scrambled to clear the ball. Falling at the feet of Wellings, Charlie slotted the ball into the bottom corner, giving the visitors a 2-goal advantage.
HALF TIME: Boldmere St Michaels 0-2 Nottingham Forest
Boldmere were quick to narrow the difference between the two sides, securing a goal in the 60th minute.
A delightful passage of play between Millie Chandarana, Sophie Domingo and Mel Johnson saw Forest restore their two-goal advantage in the 65th minute. Chandarana once again picked out Domingo in the left channel, who chipped the ball across to Johnson in the box. Johnson hurled the ball into the corner of the net, leaving the Boldmere keeper rooted to the spot.
Mollie Green stood to take a short Forest corner, which saw the ball directed to Kate Longhurst. Longhurst was unable to make a connection with the ball, allowing Boldmere the opportunity to clear the area.
Carly Davies introduced Casey Howe to the action in the 74th minute, marking her return from international duty with Northern Ireland, before quickly adding Bridget Galloway, Holly Manders and Jessica Hennessy into the action.
The sets of fresh legs were unable to contribute to the goal tally, but effectively kept the pace, denying the hosts any opportunity to close the difference.
FULL TIME: Boldmere St Michaels 1-3 Nottingham Forest
Nottingham Forest Starting XI: Batty [GK], Harkin [C], N. Johnson, Longhurst, Domingo, M. Johnson, Wellings, Olding, Green, Thomas, Chandarana
Used Substitutes: Sims [63’], Howe [74’], Galloway [78’], Manders [78’], Hennessy [84’]
Unused Substitutes: Ferguson
*Article provided by Abigail Murphy (Women’s Football Correspondent).
*Main image @NFFCWomen Forest march on to the competition’s second round proper.