Penalty woe for Hatters Ladies as Town go out of Beds County Cup
Dunstable Town Women are also defeated
Luton Town Ladies were knocked out of the Beds County Cup after a penalty shoot-out defeat against higher ranked Real Bedford Ladies on Sunday.
Hatters boss Myles Maddix made two changes from the side that defeated Actonians last Sunday, Nicole Melling replacing Sarah Hudson in goal, while Natalia Makowska came in for the suspended Courtnay Ward-Chambers. As expected, the visitors saw the majority of the ball in the opening stages, although they failed to test Melling, while Makowska’s attempts to steal the ball from the defence were ended by a foul from Scarlett Williams, as Lisa Milliken’s delivery from the resulting free-kick was cleared away.
At the other end, Fiona Buttigieg was adjudged to have handled the ball outside the area for a set-pieces, Issy Bryant’s effort tipped over the bar by Melling. On the half hour, Luton fashioned their best move of the afternoon, Elizabeth Mulvaney finding Chloe Tambula whose perfectly weighted pass down the line sent Milliken away, although Real Bedford’s back-line was able to clear the danger.
Town came close to scoring in the final moments, when a inch-perfect switch from Milliken was controlled by Tasha Fensome, who played in Mulvaney, her delivery unable to be turned in by a team-mate. The Hatters made one change at half time, one ex-Pirate replacing another as Amy McLean went off for Emily Wilson. Breon Grant was inches away from giving Real Bedford the lead when she unleashed an effort that crashed against the crossbar.
Makowska, who impressed yet again, was replaced by Amber Leighton with just over 20 minutes left, the substitute rising highest to nod on for Fensome, her attempt comfortably gathered. With the Town remaining firm and soaking up all the pressure from Real Bedford, they were able to hold on, sending the game to penalties.
The visitors were first to go, as it was soon 2-2, with Tasha Fensome and Andie Dickens converting, before Melling denied Nicola Puddick. Leighton put Luton 3-2 up, as it was soon 3-3, before Leyah Maddix missed. Real Bedford then moved in front, as Shianne Swarres saw her effort saved by Erica Meale, sending the Pirates through to the final. Luton host Chesham United in FA Women's National League Division One South East this evening and then go to AFC Sudbury on Sunday.
» Dunstable Town Women came back from 3-0 down at half time to push Real Bedford Ladies Reserves all the way in the Bedfordshire Women's Senior Cup semi-final on Sunday, writes James Smith.
The hosts took an early lead in the third minute and added two more before the break. Lexxie Burton pulled a goal back on 65 minutes for Dunstable before Monet Grace-Wille converted a penalty in the 77th minute to set up a tense finale, only for the Blues to fall short. Dunstable head to Thetford Town Ladies in Eastern Region Women’s League Division One North on Sunday.