Last updated at 12:12, Saturday, 08 October 2011

Abbeytown are flying the flag for Cumbria in the Women’s FA Cup after a battling 3-1 home win over Forest Hall from Newcastle.

With Penrith and Kendal both suffering heavy defeats, Abbeytown are the only county club to get past the first qualifying round – and they’ve done it with a squad packed with young talent.

“It’s the first time we’ve got through, and I didn’t expect it,” said manager Neale Wilson. “We battled really hard.”

The hosts started the game strongly and a Lel Walker corner on 15 minutes was well-controlled by Helen Housby, who coolly converted.

Two fine saves from keeper Laura Miller kept Abbeytown in front, the visitors finally levelling on 40 minutes, courtesy of a header from another corner.

The Cumbria League champions took a well-deserved lead on the hour-mark. Michelle Wright picked up a lovely pass from Paige Wilson and chipped the Forest Hall keeper.

Abbeytown continued to press with Kate Brown and Helen Housby going close before Brown put them two goals clear on 75 minutes.

She picked up the ball on the right and took a return pass from Heather Crake before ghosting past two defenders and hammering a left-footed shot in to the bottom corner.

Abbeytown face another tough task against Whitley Bay in the next round.

“They play three leagues above us so it will be a really hard match, but it’s one to enjoy,” Wilson added. “It will be another experience for us.”

First published at 08:53, Saturday, 08 October 2011
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk