Convincing Cup Win

By Callum Doughty

Wolves Women 5 (Price 42, 81, Hewitt 62, J.Cross 73, o.g. 10)

Sutton Coldfield Town Ladies 0

A one-sided game saw Wolves Women defeat Sutton Coldfield Town Ladies 5-0 in the Birmingham County Cup at Keys Park on Sunday afternoon.

The victory, courtesy of goals from Jade Hewitt, Jade Cross, Anna Price (2) and an own goal saw Wolves progress to the fourth round of the Birmingham County Cup.

Wolves dominated the ball in the early stages of the game and soon got themselves in front. Some lovely combination play between Jade Cross and Billie Haynes worked a good opening which resulted in Laura Fryer, the Sutton Coldfield defender turning the ball into her own net, off the inside of the post.

The home side continued to dominate and went close to doubling their lead numerous times. Jen Anslow, Kirstie Bavington, Charlotte Criddle and Haynes all had chances but were unable to find the net.

Just before the half-time break Wolves did double their lead. Anslow’s cross from the right was headed home by Price for her first of the game.

The second-half began in similar fashion to the first, with Wolves having plenty of chances to widen their lead but being unable to take them.

Wolves’ persistence eventually paid off when Hewitt was the quickest to react to a blocked Andrea Whetton cross. She beat the onrushing goalkeeper with a lob at the front post to put Wolves three in front.

Goalkeeper Issy Foster was then called into action for the first time in the game, diving backwards to brilliantly deny Hayley Chatwin’s 25-yard effort.

The hosts’ fourth and fifth goals soon arrived in quick succession to put the game beyond any doubt. Jade Cross slotted home after an Anslow cross and then Price got her second of the game, again heading home from Anslow’s corner.

Acting Manager Steve Cullis was pleased with the result and the performance. He said: "We were confident in possession, we dominated the ball.

"We’ve lacked that cutting edge so to score five goals and keep a clean sheet was pleasing. It’s all about building confidence and I think games like today will do that.’’

*Next Sunday 21st January Wolves Women travel to Teesdale Park to play Middlesbrough Women in their first league game since the Christmas break.

TEAM | Foster, Hakeman (Butler), Anslow, Price (C), E.Cross, Widdal, Whetton (Moran), Bavington (Jones), J.Cross, Criddle (Hewitt), Haynes (McQuilkin)

PICTURE | Simon Faulkner