ARCHIVE: Match Report: FCUMW v Mancunian Unity
“Last Wednesday, FC United Women played Mancunian Unity in a Manchester FA Cup fixture – Valentina Vettore reports.
Going into the fixture, Jennie Swarbrick had said a win here held quite a lot of importance – winning the cup being one of the key targets the team had set earlier in the season. With relegation confirmed, the Manchester FA Women’s Challenge Cup became one of the last opportunities to take home some silverware this season. Facing the team was Mancunian Unity who impressively have gone this season undefeated in the North West Women’s Regional League. Regardless of the stats, Swarbrick was confident going in, stating in her pre-match interview, “we’ve done our due diligence, we’re very well prepared […] and we’re ready to go.”
Held at the Crown Oil Arena, home to Rochdale AFC, the teams arrived ready for a hotly contested match. Within 30 seconds, Mancunian Unity on the attack and were awarded a free kick setting the tone for the next 90 minutes – relentless attacking presence from the opposition. At 15 minutes, Sacha Lewis made one of her dangerous drives down the wing, but her cross was dealt with well by the Unity defence.
Some held breaths at 29 minutes when a shot from Unity was cleared over the bar – with some decent chances for both teams in the first half, they went into the second on equal footing.
FC United came out fired up with Ella Ritchie heading the ball only 2 minutes into the second half, but unfortunately unable to keep it low enough. Another shot was blocked at 57 minutes by Unity’s keeper. By the second half, the fans became difficult to ignore as chants of ‘FC UNITED!’ rang through the stadium, bolstering the team’s efforts. Lewis had another great run, through on goal, but the shot went wide much to her frustration. Unity were far from quiet with their own brilliant chances and as we approached the end of the second half, another 5 minutes was added on as extra time. FC United had a great opportunity with a free kick at 93 minutes but Shaunna Jein’s shot went over the bar. With the whistle blown and with neither team able to make a breakthrough, it went to penalties.
Sophie Donald, FC United Keeper said, “when the full time whistle blew, I tried as quickly as I could to get in the zone and after a quick chat with Elsie (Assistant Manager, GK Coach), I felt ready for the penalties.”
FC United took theirs first, put in the back of the net with ease by Ella Ritchie before it was Sophie Donald’s time between the posts with Unity’s Mya Wyatt able to make her shot. Cardenas took Unity’s second shot and whilst Donald got a hand to it, it was still able to go through. Donald had said, “a few of them I got a good hand to but couldn’t quite keep out.”. With Unity’s Kait Harter, Liz Ince, Molly Etchells all able to score along with our Isabella Kershaw, Evie McCaffrey, Sacha Lewis and Eve O’Carroll it went to sudden death. Kershaw said, “as it was sudden death there was added pressure however I thought our players stepped up to that challenge and used that as extra confidence.”
Whilst Neishai Gordon, Cara Bickett, Shaunna Jein (C) took some excellent penalties, the efforts of Molly Kelly, Ellie Russel and Ella Barnes were able to keep Mancunian Unity in the game, and spectators on their toes. With Jace Carlin scoring the 9th for FC, the pressure was back on for Sophie Donald as she made her way back to the goal. She said, “[…] as the last taker jogged up, seemingly in a rush, I slowed things down and felt confident to make the save. I’ve got huge respect for all our players who stepped up and scored their penalties too.”.
There was a lot of praise for Sophie Donald with her team mates quick to embrace her as she ran off her line after that crucial save. Isabella Kershaw described it quite aptly saying, “this season Soph has been a massive asset to the squad helping us in crucial moments. When Soph saved the penalty it was PUREEE SCENESSSS [sic].”
There was an euphoric response from the players, fans and staff as Donald’s save made sure we would not be returning to Broadhurst Park empty handed - the players then made their way to line up for the trophy presentation (but not after some hearty celebration with the fans).
Another notable performance came from Isabella Kershaw who was awarded Player of the Match by the Manchester FA. Kershaw said, “when I received the Player of the Match award I was so happy not only to have won with my team but win something individually and be recognised for my performance. I did what I could for the team and was prepared to do whatever I could at both ends of the pitch to get us over the line. I think collectively as a squad we deserved this. We set this as a goal at the beginning of the season to win the cup and we did just that. So I am proud of every individual that is part of this squad that has made it possible for us to reach the end goal.”
Captain Shaunna Jein added, “I had full confidence in this team to bring it home when it came to the decision of penalties – and to see our keeper who has had a great season herself get the save on the last penalty was just amazing. Thanks to all the fans and the staff for the support and happy to bring home a trophy – WHAT A TEAM!”.
A great result despite a difficult season for the team – FC United Women play their final match in the FAWNL against Hull this Sunday (5/5), 2PM at Broadhurst Park. FC United of Manchester Women end this season Champions of the Manchester FA Challenge Cup.”
