The Cup Dream Goes On! 

This was not a match for the faint hearted!.

Stockport began with a one goal advantage because Oldham 1's are one division above us in the league. From the start Oldham were looking to impose themselves on the game (and umpires). For the first 15 minutes Stockport were on the back foot as the Oldham forwards dominated play. Ten minutes into the match Oldham forced the error, and were able to cross the ball in to an unmarked player at the post who wasn't going to miss from there.

Having not played this level of opposition before, we knew we were on a steep learning curve, but I don't think Oldham expected what happened next. Stockport's Nicola Adamson made a chance for herself when she dribbled round a defender and her shot from a tight angle took a deflection, and with the Oldham goalie off her line the ball went in. Soon after, it was the Oldham defence looking uncertain what to do as Jenny Worth dribbled at them at full speed. Their last defender dived in for the tackle, only to trip Jenny and the umpire deemed it a penalty stroke. Cool as a cucumber, young Amy Nicklin converted the stroke. Five minutes later Jenny Worth conjured up a reverse stick shot that deflected off a defenders stick, up over everyone's head, and dropped nicely into the goal and for Oldham the half time whistle couldn't come soon enough.

Meanwhile Stockport enjoyed the moment and at half time had quick sing of "Happy Birthday" to Jenny Worth to celebrate her 21st birthday.

Then it was back on to the pitch for the second half.

Oldham came out with guns blazing and Stockport needed courage and determination as the opposition had almost all of the possession and numerous opportunities in the circle. Their short corner routines involved some ferocious shots at goal. Sam Piggin charged down many of these and must have a some bruises for all her brave efforts. Stockport frustrated Oldham completely as short corner after short corner got blocked, saved or deflected wide of the post. Oldham even tried a few aerials but they sailed over the cross bar (thank goodness). However, it was in open play that Oldham got 2 goals; one from a swift reverse shot past defender and keeper, and then another in a scramble to loose ball in the circle that they lifted past the keeper.

With 15 minutes to go it was effectively 4-3 to Stockport (due to the one goal advantage at the start) and Stockport had to hang onto the slender lead under relentless attacking play by Oldham. Undaunted, Stockport kept closing down the play, and blocking the shots as Oldham could find no way through to the goal. When the final whistle came, I'm not sure anyone could believe we'd done it, but Stockport are through to the semi-finals which are held on March 2nd.

POM - they didn't say, but everyone deserved it!