Goals Flow as Glassgirls down Crusaders in League Cup

Seven different players got their names on the scoresheet in a fine all-round performance against a Crusaders team which contributed plenty to the game and gave the Glassgirls defence more troublesome moments than the scoreline might suggest.

Connie Dutton and Hannah Fishwick led the way with two each, and there was a first Glassgirls goal for Ellie McGovern (pictured) to reward a hard-working second half display in midfield.

Stour were into their stride early and ahead after six minutes when Dutton’s fierce strike was beaten away by the keeper, only for ALEX NICKLIN to control the loose ball and fire home, and after Amie Preston had done well to hold a stinging first time drive at the other end, DUTTON herself made it two from Fishwick’s low cross on 14 minutes.

Ruby Meeson shot straight at the keeper and Courteney Murphy netted but was penalised for handling, before Murphy’s free kick drifted just wide, but as the 20-minute mark approached Andy Fisher’s side did go three up when a half-cleared corner fell to Jess Bate who squared the ball for MEESON to lob the keeper first time from 20 yards.

Meeson curled another effort narrowly wide, but Stour were then reminded that the job was far from done as Crusaders pounced on a half-hit clearance with a low shot drilled past Preston to reduce the deficit.

The Glassgirls responded immediately with Millie Rogers thumping the crossbar, and then shooting wide when put clear, whilst Dutton was denied by a fine save as she too had a clear run at goal.

Stour eventually made the spell of dominance count on 39 minutes as FISHWICK worked enough space to squeeze a shot past the keeper and inside the far post, and then DUTTON made it five on the stroke of half time - and 100 goals for the team this season in all competitions - as Rogers laid the ball off to put her through on goal for an unerring finish, although there was still time for her to hit the inside of the post from an identical situation moments later.

The Glassgirls continued to hold the upper hand after the interval but Preston was forced into an excellent save on 52 minutes after a misplaced pass left the Stourbridge defence exposed.

Carly Aldred pulled a shot wide of the near post, Courteney Murphy fired a free kick just over, Dutton shot wide and Aldred over, as Stour turned the screw, but it took until the 72nd minute for the sixth goal to arrive, ALDRED scoring from the spot after being felled in the box.

McGOVERN’s moment came when Gee Thacker nipped in to win the ball ahead of the keeper, and left the midfielder with the chance to finish well from 15 yards, and within a minute FISHWICK made it eight from 20 yards, pouncing on the loose ball after Cheryl Edwards’ shot had produced a good save.

EDWARDS herself got the ninth, rounding the keeper to score, but the home side had the final word with a cracking finish from all of 25 yards that gave Preston no chance.

Stourbridge will now play Lye Town in the quarter-finals after they beat Worcester City 4-1. The tie is expected to be played on Sunday 6th March.

Photo: Paul Rose Photography)

STOURBRIDGE LADIES

Amie Preston, Ruby Meeson, Sophie Heaselgrave, Louisa Butcher, Jess Bate, Courteney Murphy, Alex Nicklin, Hannah Fishwick, Carly Aldred, Connie Dutton, Millie Rogers

SUBSTITUTES (all used)

Meg Hadley, Niamh Murphy, Ellie McGovern, Gee Thacker, Cheryl Edwards.