Wolves Women Fall to Forest

Nottingham Forest Ladies 4 (Beaver 3, Bell 11 pen, 61 pen, Lowder 17)

Wolves Women 0

 

Wolves Women were knocked out of the Second Round Proper of the Women's FA Cup in a 4-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest Ladies who play one division above them in the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division.

 

Home side Forest started the stronger of the two sides and got on the score sheet in just the third minute after the ball was played into Charlotte Broad in the box who managed to beat the defensive line to slot the ball past Gardner in the Wolves goal.

 

Forest doubled their lead just eight minutes later as they were awarded a penalty when Claire Hakeman was adjudged to have fouled in the box, and Andi Bell duly converted.

 

Forest had their tails up and piled on the pressure, making it three in the 17th minute as Katie Lowder ran from the wing, cut into the box and shot past Gardner into the bottom left corner.

 

Manager Tim Dudding changed the formation and Wolves started to come into the game, finding their first opportunity in the 34th minute from a free kick by Jen Anslow from 20 yards out which went just wide of the goal.

 

Just before half time Wolves’ Lal was brought down on the edge of the box, and Laura McQuilkin came close as her free kick skimmed the bar, but the half finished with Forest 3-0 up.

 

The second half saw Wolves push on looking for a goal, but Forest held firm. In the 61st minute Wolves were undone by another penalty which was awarded after a challenge by Vicky Brackenbury, and Bell stepped up for her second and Forest’s fourth.

 

With the game all but over Wolves battled on, with youngsters Lal, Evans and Meeson all impressing for the senior side, but Forest progressed to the Third Round with a 4-0 win.

 

Manager Tim Dudding said: "We weren't at our best today.

 

“Letting 17 minutes and two penalty decisions define us was not a good move, but we look to go again.

 

“Football never ceases to amaze me. We constantly look to improve and we will get there as long as we are willing to make the necessary changes.

 

“What was positive today was to see three Under 18 players in the squad; it was a great opportunity for them to learn and grow."

 

* Next Sunday 15th January see Wolves Women turn their attention to the Birmingham County Cup when they entertain The University of Warwick in the Third Round. The game will be played at Hednesford Town FC with a 2pm kick-off. Admission is £2; concessions £1.

 

Wolves: Gardner, Hakeman (Meeson), Richards (James), Brackenbury, Anslow, E. Cross, Whetton, McQuilkin (Hewitt), J. Cross, Evans, Lal. Subs: Perks, Widdal.