By Jonathan White
Nantwich Town FC Women exit FA Cup after historic run
Nantwich Town FC Women’s historic winning run in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup – https://www.thefa.com/competitions/the-womens-fa-cup – came to an end, in their First Round Proper debut, when they were defeated by Huddersfield Town Women FC.
The Dabbers had already successfully won through three rounds of the Women’s FA Cup before playing their higher-level West Yorkshire opponents at the Stafflex Arena on the afternoon of Sunday 3rd November 2024.
The Terriers, who compete in the FA Women’s National League Division One North, won 7-0 with goals from Firth (14th minute), Stuart (23′), Housley (56′), Housley (57′), Tiripke (59′), Stuart (86′) and Mallin (90′).
Despite Huddersfield leading by only two goals at the break, it was the attacking surge early on in the second half of the game that ultimately sealed the fate of the tie.
Autumn Housley earned herself a brace despite featuring as a central defender for the majority of the fixture, with further standout performances from Charlotte Stuart and Rebecca Beresford enough to overcome the Cheshire Women’s Premier Division side.
While Sunday’s loss marks the end of their Cup run, the Dabbers have gained invaluable experience on the national stage, with supporters and staff alike proud of their historic achievement.
As Nantwich Town FC Women return to league play, they do so with the knowledge that they’ve set a new benchmark for the club. Despite the setback, the team’s performance in the Cup will serve as an inspiration as they look ahead to the remainder of the season.
Nantwich Town FC Women starting XI: 1. K. Townsend, 2. E. Macdonald, 3. B. Davies, 4. H. Bourne, 5. R. Davies (captain), 6. M. O’Connor, 7. L. Bulkeley, 8. P. Smith, 9. A. Fallon, 10. G. Duckworth, 11. A. Hatton. Subs: 12. F. Chaffey-Green, 14. K. Kulesza, 15. H. Knight, 16. N. Walker, 17. J. Buckley-Ratcliff.
Player of the Match was captain, Becky Davies, who put on a great defensive display against Huddersfield and led the team amazingly in this historic fixture for the Dabbers. Becky is sponsored by Dame Pat Bacon, Honorary President of the Female Section of Nantwich Town FC.
Libby Bulkeley was voted Player’s Player of the Match. Libby never stopped from the first whistle until the last. As always, her fast feet and quick thinking caused defensive headaches for the opposition. Libby is sponsored by U Storeall Ltd, Nantwich.
Dan Mellor, Manager, Nantwich Town FC Women, speaking after the match, said:
“I think I speak for everyone involved with the team when I say first and foremost, we are all so proud of the girls for what they’ve achieved in the FA Cup this year. We had a target of progressing through the first qualifying round but to make it through to the First Round Proper exceeded all expectations.
“Huddersfield are a tier 4 side, so they’re 3 divisions above us and we expected our toughest game to date and that’s exactly what it was. There’s absolutely no shame whatsoever in the scoreline, our performance was professional, the attitude of the girls was spot on, and they played with courage and bravery which is all we can ask of them, at the end of the day we were beaten by a better team which was always going to happen in this competition.
“Our focus switches to the league now, we’ve proven we can beat teams in the leagues above so we have to take the positives and move onto Stockport County at home on Sunday.”
Future Nantwich Town FC Women fixtures: Stockport County Ladies (home, League) 10/11/24, 2pm kickoff; Runcorn Linnets FC Ladies (away, Cheshire County Cup) 17/11/24, 2:30pm; Congleton Town Ladies (away, League) 24/11/24, 2pm; Stockport County Ladies (away, League) 1/12/24, 2pm; Altrincham FC Women (home, League) 8/12/24, 2pm; Wirral United FC Women (away, League) 15/12/24, 2:30pm; Wirral United FC Women (home, League) 5/1/25, 2pm.
Nantwich Town FC Women can offer a friendly atmosphere, full club support, FA qualified coaches, Swansway Stadium 3G pitch, excellent fan base and a family & community ethos. Nantwich Town FC Women always look for quality players to strengthen their first team and their development team.
For further information relating to Nantwich Town FC Women please visit: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NTFCLadies