​Chesterfield Ladies progress to FA Cup first round

​Chesterfield Ladies secured qualification for the Women’s FA Cup first round for the first time in 17 years with a 3-1 victory over Nottingham Trent University Women on Sunday.
By The Newsroom
Published 25th Oct 2023, 11:31 BST
Updated 25th Oct 2023, 11:31 BST
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​Goals from Millie Standen, Imogen Fowler and Sophie Marshall capped off an historic day for the Blues at Inkersall Road.

Fowler had dragged an early shot wide but on ten minutes Chesterfield broke the deadlock when Standen latched onto a long ball over the top of the Trent defence and subsequently chipped the goalkeeper.

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Chesterfield’s lead was short lived as the visitors equalised in the 13th minute thanks to a free header from a corner, but the hosts went back in front ten minutes later when Fowler slotted the ball under the keeper.

Chesterfield celebrate Sophie Marshall's goal. Photo by Michael South.Chesterfield celebrate Sophie Marshall's goal. Photo by Michael South.
Chesterfield celebrate Sophie Marshall's goal. Photo by Michael South.

In the 34th minute, Standen was presented with a golden opportunity but dragged her effort wide. Minutes later Lily Naylor advanced into the area and forced a brilliant save out of the Notts goalkeeper. Sophie Marshall also saw a rapid close range effort whistle just over the bar.

Nic Stokes then superbly tipped the ball around the post following a 15 yard effort from the visitors.

The first chance of the second half went to Chesterfield when Fowler was played through on goal again and tried to chip the keeper but her effort was just over the crossbar.

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Marshall saw a close range effort saved and Stokes again had to produce a fine stop to keep out a Trent free-kick.

Chesterfield had two huge chances to kill the game off with ten minutes left to play. Georgina Williams beat her marker on the left wing with some tricky footwork before delivering a cross into the box which found Fowler but she sliced her shot wide. Moments later, Williams was scuppered by an outstanding goal-line block from a Trent defender.

Two minutes later Fowler hit the post directly from a corner causing a scramble in the box as Notts managed to clear.

Chesterfield Ladies finally sealed the victory in the last minute when Fowler set up Marshall on the edge of the box whose excellent shot looped over the keeper and into the net.

In the first round Chesterfield Ladies will face either Crusaders Women or Sutton Coldfield Town Women away from home on Sunday 12 November.

Related topics:Chesterfield