Sunday 17th February 2008 at the Occupation Road, Corby S&L FC

Match Report:  Corby S&L Ladies 1 - 3 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

(Northants Women's Cup Semi Final)

Rushden & Diamonds Ladies reached the Final of the Northants FA Women's Cup with a 3-1 victory over Corby Stewarts & Lloyds at Occupation Road. Two second half goals from Charly Wright were enough and although S&L leading scorer Gee Sturgess got one back for the home side, player-manager Vicky Gallagher made the game safe in injury time.

Diamonds went on the attack right from the start and squandered a number of early chances with Charly Wright, Vicky Gallagher and Anna McLeod all going close. Corby S&L's defence was under a lot of pressure as the game progressed, but they did well to close down Diamonds and spoil any attacking moves. Despite surging forward at every opportunity, Diamonds failed to really trouble keeper Poppy Holmes in the S&L goal. Forced to defend much of the time, the home side did make the occasional break out of their own half and their first chance to cause an upset on 27 minutes saw striker Gee Sturgess shoot wide.

Diamonds seemed to lose their way and became increasingly frustrated, resorting to some long shots on goal which did little to trouble Poppy Holmes. One of the best chances fell to full back Fay Howell on 38 minutes, when a one-two with Charly Wright set up a clear chance, but she shot just wide. As the first half ended, the home side could feel satisfied to have kept a clean sheet despite being under siege for much of the half.

Half time: Corby S&L Ladies 0 - 0 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

The half time team talk seemed to settle Diamonds as they looked more composed as the second half commenced. Leading scorer Mikaela Welford replaced Katie Loydall and took up the centre forward role, with Vicky Gallagher moving to the right. It was Welford who set up the opening goal on 51 minutes when Caroline Moran picked out the striker in space on the right side of the penalty area. Her cross found Charly Wright free on the left with time to side-foot a shot past Holmes.

Just six minutes later, Diamonds went two up as Anna McLeod ran through midfield and laid the ball out to Charly Wright again. Her fierce shot rebounded off the keeper but came straight back, making no mistake with the second attempt.

It looked like the flood gate might open, but some resolute defending by S&L maintained the score-line. Wright came close to getting a hat-trick on 64 minutes while moments later, Holmes produced an excellent save from Anna McLeod. In another rare attack however, S&L got a goal back. Top scorer Gee Sturgess received a long ball forward and with the defence having pushed forward, had space to fire a shot past Charlene Ward.

In the closing minutes, Diamonds had several more chances to add to their goal tally. Holmes saved from Mikaela Welford, while Wright had the ball in the net again on 84 minutes, but it was ruled offside. Vicky Gallagher came close heading just wide, but in stoppage time, she converted a cross from Wright.

Full time: Corby S&L Ladies 1 - 3 Rushden & Diamonds Ladies

So Diamonds have the chance to defend the County Cup when they play Northampton Town in the final (date and venue to be announced). The Cobblers beat AFC Trinity in the other semi-final. Next week, its back to League action when Diamonds Ladies visit Whitehawk near Brighton (2pm kick-off).

Teams: