Sunday 07 September 2008    Womens FA Cup Preliminary Round

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Guiseley   3:2  Sheffield Community

Guiseley Ladies started the new season with a hard fought FA Cup victory over local rivals Sheffield United. The away side showed no signs of feeling sorry for themselves following relegation from the Northern Combination League last season. Both teams have added new additions to their squads, and Guiseley have a new coach in charge, Scott Rogan, who has been brought into the club to help push for promotion into the National Leagues.  

Both teams started strong, showing their intentions from the off were to attack in numbers. Guiseley's’ new signing Jo Forrest, from Leeds Development adapted straight away to the new look midfield, which welcomed back long-term injured Kat Naismith. The home side had chances early on, but strong defence by Sheffield prevented the ladies taking the lead.

The breakthrough came when a cross from Guiseley's’ left wing Rachel Dainty rebounded off the Sheffield defence to the feet of Sarah Dunn. Last seasons’ top scorer calmly hit the ball into the net to put the ladies into the lead. Guiseley held the lead for just five minutes.

Sheffield's’ fighting spirit helped them get the equaliser following an excellent run down their right wing which resulted in a far post cross which beat all the Guiseley defence. Sheffield's’ striker  met the cross well and struck it passed the home sides’ ‘keeper Jo Farquhar.

The second half saw chances at both ends. Sheffield made the most of their chances though and took the lead following a chipped ball over the Guiseley defence. The home side looked for the off-side which was not given. Sheffield's’ striker struck the ball from 25 yards from goal which then cleared Jo Farquhar in net.

Guiseley changed formation and brought on another striker, Katie Jesson to try and get an equaliser. The change in formation worked, and with only five minutes to go, left winger Rachel Dainty pounced on a loose ball in the box and scored passed the stranded Sheffield’ ‘keeper, It looked as though there would be 30 more minutes to play of extra-time, but luck was on the ladies side. Player of the match Rachel Dainty launched a shot from 30 yards from goal which caught Sheffield's’ ‘keeper off her line. The shot was inch perfect and the goal put the ladies 3-2 up with just one minute to go.

Guiseley held on to win and now face Winterton Rangers away in the next qualifying round on Sunday 28^th September.

Guiseley Ladies next game at Nethermoor is on Sunday 21^st September against Barnsley FC, Kick-off 1.30pm.