Salford City Lionesses pulled off an incredible comeback from 3-1 down to beat north-west rivals Chester FC 5-4 in a captivating Vitality Women’s FA Cup second round qualifying tie.
On a dramatic afternoon, Salford opened the scoring on 10 minutes through skipper Feiruz Abdullahi but looked to be heading towards the exit door when Chester turned things around before the break.
Two goals in the space of five minutes through Emily Hutton and Safron Newhouse quickly levelled things up after the restart, however, and Hutton’s second put Salford back in front.
Abdullahi then bagged her second on 75 minutes to make it 5-3 before Sarah Redman’s late strike set up a grandstand finish.
But after coming from behind in such incredible fashion, Salford were not to be denied and secured their second successive 5-4 victory in this season’s Women’s FA Cup.
They were not the only side to come through a nine goal thriller. Denham United won 5-4 at Royal Wootton Bassett and Middlezoy Rovers did likewise against Oldland Abbotonians, while Clapton Community FC defeated Haringey Borough 6-3.
Another dramatic second round affair unfolded at Dronfield Town, who came from behind in their 3-2 win over Grimsby Town.
After taking the lead on 18 minutes through Annabel Davies, Dronfield found themselves 2-1 down heading into the break thanks to goals from Amber Sharp and Ellie Wilson, whose superb back post volley gave Grimsby the lead.
What does winning another FA Cup game 5-4 look like?
— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) October 3, 2021
This.
Through to the next round! 👏#WeAreSalford 🦁🔴 pic.twitter.com/a9vkRw3CyP
But Carly Gill equalised before half-time and Davies’ second-half header secured the hosts’ progress.
The highest scoring game of the round saw Ashford Town put 25 goals past Highworth Town without reply while Ilminster Town and Liskeard Athletic registered commanding 11-0 wins over Gloucester City and Ottery St Mary respectively.
Dartford, Luton Town, Wymondham, Solihull Sporting, Mansfield Town, Nottingham Trent University, AFC Darwen and Merseyrail also hit double figures to convincingly book their places in the hat for the next round.
It was a closer contest between Biggleswade United and Headstone Manor, with United winning by the odd goal in five.
A Tayla Murray brace coupled with a composed finish from Sammy Khan looked to have sealed Bigglewade’s progress only for Headstone Manor to pull one back in the final minute of regular time.
Six minutes of injury time ensued but Biggleswade held on to advance to third round qualifying – they will find out their opponents in Monday’s draw.
A total of 418 clubs will be involved in the Women's FA Cup this term, with victors in second round qualifying receiving £450. Losing clubs collect £115.
