It’s early September and almost 100 ties are taking place in the Women’s FA Cup Preliminary Round and I’m at number 14 on the fixture list; Blackburn Community Sports Club Women are hosting West Kirby Ladies at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School, Harrison Playing Field.
The season’s of Autumn, Winter and Spring will have passed by the time of the final at Wembley on May 9th.
Realistically, none of the competing teams at this early stage of the competition will be making their way down Wembley Way come early summer. That’s not being defeatist simply realistic but nor does it mean these club’s are lacking ambition, all will be trying to go as far their skills and quality allow; it’s all about the journey.
For West Kirby of the North West Women’s Regional League Division 1 South, who only became established in 2017, it’s also an adventure as they take part in the FA Cup for the very first time.
However, for the Wirral based outfit it became a steep learning curve followed by an early exit as Blackburn cruised to a 6-1 victory.
Blackburn adapted better to the wet, blustery weather and were three goals to the good by the 26th minute but a momentary lapse in defence gave West Kirby a lifeline as Lyndsey Roger reduced the deficit before the break.
The second half saw West Kirby fail to take advantage of the conditions and Blackburn played a patient game of keeping the ball on the floor trying to mitigate the effect of the wind. The visitor’s enjoyed plenty of possession but rarely troubled the Blackburn defence.
The home side wrapped the game up with three more goals in 12 minutes for the perfect start to the season for boss Ben Gooden’s new look team.
West Kirby return to Merseyside with £90 for the losing club whilst the victors Blackburn Community will receive £360.
Blackburn Community Sports Club: 6 (Bland 4, 26, 68, Williams 11, Cadwallader 62, Corris 74)
West Kirby: 1 (Rodger 29)
Venue: QEG’s Harrison Playing Fields