Nottingham Forest 2 (Manders 12, 83 pen) Wolves Women 0
Wolves Women exited the FA Women’s National League Cup at the first round stage as goals in each half secured progression for Nottingham Forest at Grange Park.
Holly Manders scored both of the goals for Forest, opening the scoring inside 12 minutes before netting a penalty with seven minutes remaining to make sure of the result.
Dan McNamara made three changes from the side that beat AFC Fylde in the league last Sunday, with Emma Cross, Jade Cross and Sophie Bramford all coming into the starting line-up.
It was Forest who started brightly and they came close when Nat Johnson picked out Mai Moncaster who was through on goal, but struck just wide of the far post.
However, the hosts did take the lead a few minutes later when Manders broke the deadlock with a strike from just inside the area as she curled past Bec Thomas.
Wolves looked to respond as Destiney Toussaint fired over, before a flurry of chances shortly before the interval saw the Old Gold strike the woodwork on the stroke of half-time.
Half-time | Forest 1-0 Wolves
McNamara’s side kept plugging away throughout the second period and again hit the woodwork with a strike from distance, as Forest remained fortunate to maintain their advantage.
Ellie Wilson and Liv Fergusson both entered the fray for Wolves, with the visitors switching things up for the final third of the game.
At the other end, Forest pushed for a second goal and came close, but Johnson fired over after some good work from Manders to collect a loose ball before crossing for the defender.
The hosts were given the opportunity to make sure of the victory seven minutes from time as Freya Thomas was fouled inside the area and the referee pointed to the spot.
Manders stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards, confidently slotting beyond Thomas to double the Reds’ lead and confirm their place in the second round.
Full-time | Forest 2-0 Wolves
NEXT THREE
· Huddersfield Women (H) 8th October
· Sutton Coldfield (A) 15th October County Cup
· West Brom Women (A) 22nd October
TEAMS
Forest | Batty, Harkin, Johnson, Moncaster, Manders, O’Neill, Green, Thomas (Reynolds 90), Anderson, James (Cook 29), Cowie (Dixon 79).
Unused Subs | Aguirre, Greengrass.
Wolves | Thomas, Morphet, E. Cross, George (Smith 87), Will, J. Cross (Fergusson 77), Fryer (Wilson 57), Toussaint, Roberts, Bramford (Price 87), Merrick (Johnson 87).
