Birkdale Diamonds v Euxton Girls
April 6th, 2010 by NoelWarham| Date:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | Sunday 14th March 2010 |
| Location:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â | Bedford Park, Birkdale |
| Result:Â | Birkdale Diamonds (1) Euxton Girls (1) (AET, 4-3 to Birkdale on penalties) |
A home draw in the Challenge Cup semi final was today’s game. Perfect weather for football with a slight wind blowing. Kick off was 10 am and both teams were eager to make it to the final, where Crosby Stuart Ladies awaited the winners of this tie. Birkdale were at full strength with all girls free of injuries. The first half began with Birkdale straight out of the blocks, and it became clear that it was going to be a hard fought contest. Birkdale were the more dominant in the first 15 minutes with Edmondson and Elliott having half chances. Euxton then came back into the game after that, but with neither side really creating a gilt edged chance the first half ended goalless.
The second half began as the first with Birkdale keen on winning the ball, and the first 10 minutes saw little in front of goal for both teams. Euxton then had a half chance, resulting in a save by Harrison. The ball was kicked out and a defensive error resulted in a magnificent goal for euxton giving Harrison no chance in the top corner. Right from the kick off the girls heads didn’t drop, they pressured the ball and attacked at every opportunity as a result a cross was handballed and a penalty kick was awarded to Birkdale. Elliot was the chosen girl and a firmly struck shot was a great goal making the scoreline 1-1. The rest of the game was still hard fought with Birkdale still dominating play but 1-1 was the result after the final whistle blew. Extra time awaited both teams, and as before it was Birkdale offering more spirit and determination to win the game. Edmondson came close in the second period of extra time as did Hubbard and Elliot but the whistle blew and it was the dreaded penalty shoot out.
First up for Birkdale stepped up Cunliffe straight into the bottom corner making it 1-0 Euxton then put theirs over the bar and Elliot made it 2-0 to birkdale. Euxton missed their third penalty this meant everyone was on edge as a Hubbard goal would just need a save by Harrison in the Birkdale goal to win the game but she missed. Euxton pulled one back making it 2-1 then Smith missed for Birkdale, and Euxton levelledit up at 2-2. Up stepped Edmondson but she missed the fifth pen and Euxton missed theirs so it was down to sudden death. Birkdale’s captain Mentha stepped up and scored but Euxton managed to score as well, so next up stepped Armstrong to score the seventh with the score poised at 4-3. Euxton had to score, but the shot was saved by Harrison in the Birkdale goal. The girls were overjoyed and ran over to Harrison to congratulate her after her fine display in goal.
Well done girls – fantastic! Player of the Match was Harrison, but well done Cunliffe for her fantastic display in defence. The final now awaits us at Burscough FC and no matter what the result in the final, for the effort this season you’re all winners.
