There was very little action in the women’s football scene on Sunday afternoon however, of what there was, the three sides representing the county in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup gave a strong account of themselves, despite all exiting at the First Round stage.

It was a historic afternoon for local sides with University of Nottingham, Mansfield Town, and SJR Worksop, two of whom faced higher opposition, and with all three ties close encounters.

Recently promoted University of Nottingham, of the East Midlands Women’s Regional Football League Division One North, welcomed an established, National League Division One side in Cambridge United.

The green & Gold of the UoN held out for a little over half-an-hour before the visitors struck through Abbie Jackson’s first of the afternoon, Cambridge holding that lead until early in the second half when Auburn Bennett netted for the delirious hosts.

Shy of twenty minutes later and UoN hearts were broken (but unbowed) when Jackson grabbed her second of the game, her brace being enough to seal a 2-1 win for the National League side.

Cambridge progressed to the Second Round proper, but for UoN, history had been made from what has been an exciting, name-making cup run for the Green & Gold.

UoN – Lucy Large, Kate Galloway, Helena Meadows, Lucy Robinson, Auburn Burnett, Ruby Murphy (capt), Thea Clearkin, Iris Lacey, Amelia Penfold, Emily Nedom, Freya Anderson (subs – Ede Buchele, Alexandra Khayat, Chloe Donellan, Jessica Smith, Libby Hindson, Mia Solorio-Smith, Amelia Kishna)

Mansfield Town were beaten 3-0 away to another, National League Division One side in Luton Town; the hosts netted twice in the first half through Taylor O’Leary and captain Leyah Maddix, before Hatters debutant, Natalia Makowska, added a late third.

As for SJR Worksop, they were edged 2-1 away to West Midlands Regional Premier Division side, Hednesford Town; a goalless first half was brought to life as Dami Onafowokan grabbed a quick-fire double just before the hour mark, with Millee Clarke making for a nervy ending with a goal for Worksop.

Four games were also played in the East Midlands Division One regionals, Newark Town the only victors, in D1N, winning 3-0 at home to Belper Town, goals coming from Jessica Hogg, Kirsty Maismith, and Katie Waddell, whilst Arnold Eagles were beaten 5-1 at home to Grimsby Town, the victors netting three in the final twenty-five minutes.

Meanwhile in D1C West Bridgford Colts were edged 2-1 at home to Melbourne Dynamo, and Long Eaton United thumped visiting Basford United 6-0 with Aimee Bluff and George Loveless netting braces.

*Article provided by Peter Mann (Senior Correspondent).

*Main image @UoNsport action during University of Nottingham’s cup match with Cambridge.