The FA Women’s Premier League Cup roared back into life for another season today, with a full 35 ties taking place across the country.
Teams from six different FA Women’s Premier League divisions battled it out in the Determining Round, with winners progressing to the competition proper and joining Plymouth Argyle, who have been handed a bye, while the losers dropped down into the Premier League Plate.
Northern Division
Derby County and Nottingham Forest both filled their boots as they sailed into the competition proper in style.
The Ewe Rams thrashed Rotherham United 7-0, Andi Bell grabbing a brace, while Amy Dicken was at the double as Forest saw off Leeds United 7-1.
Bradford City required a penalty shoot-out to get the better of Fylde, winning 3-2 on spot-kicks after the two teams had played out a pulsating 3-3 draw.
Meanwhile, Guiseley Vixens were also put through the mill away to Solihull Moors but with three minutes of the second period of extra-time remaining, Chantelle O'Hara’s free-kick snuck over the line to seal a 2-1 triumph.
West Bromwich Albion also needed extra-time to win by the same scoreline at Long Eaton United.
Southern Division
It rained goals as a host of Southern Division teams sealed their progress, with Coventry United hammering Haringey Borough 15-1, Stephanie Smith hitting four goals while Helen Dermody also grabbed a hat-trick.
Charlton Athletic travelled to league rivals Swindon Town and came away 11-0 winners, Ellie Dorey leading the scoring with a hat-trick.
There were also monster scorelines at Crystal Palace as the Eagles defeated Brislington 10-1 while C & K Basildon dismantled Basingstoke Town 8-0.
Game of the week
Bradford City bowed out of the cup at the Determining Round stage last season but this time around, they got themselves through to the competition proper by the skin of their teeth.
As if a 3-3 draw hadn’t frayed nerves enough, they managed to keep their cool and win the ensuring shoot-out.
Goal of the week
Jade Widdowson put Portsmouth on their way to a 3-0 win at Queens Park Rangers, lighting up the tie with a scorching long-range effort.
Manager of the week
Manager Reece Buck helped lead Stevenage, who ply their trade in South East Division One, to a 1-0 victory away at Gillingham, belying their lower-league status.
Player of the week
Middlesbrough’s Emily Scarr will be attending an England U19 training camp later this month and she looks set to arrive in good form after bagging a hat-trick against Burton Albion.
