Stockport County Ladies U18s beat Crewe Alexandra Women U18s in 8 goal thriller to seal cup progression
- Lucy Unwin scores a hattrick in strong team performance
- Crewe take lead and equalsie twice but are unable to see out the game
- Three second half goals secure Stockport's passage to the next round
Stockport County Ladies U18s ran out 5-3 against Crewe Alexandra in the Youth Division Champions League thanks to a hattrick from Lucy Unwin.
Stockport got off to the worst possible start with Crewe opening the scoring in just the second minute. A through ball from Aaliyaah Campbell, Crewe’s best player on the day, put Emilia Edward through on goal and she made no mistake with the finish, slotting it past Grace O’Shaughnessy.
Stockport came close to levelling the score on a couple of occasions before Unwin fired in her first of the day in the 29th minute. Abbie Wright had failed to convert a couple of one-on-one chances but Stockport were starting to get a foothold in the game. Stockport’s increasing pressure told as Crewe failed to clear their lines and Lily Lloyd, on as a substitute, played in Unwin who managed to squeeze her shot through the keeper’s body and in to get Stockport back in the game.
Unwin then scored again in the 41st with a placed finish but Crewe equalised as Stockport failed to maintain their lead before half time. Edward this time turned provider, setting up her forward partner Casey Beamon to send the teams in 2-2 at the break.
Unwin scored her third of the game soon after the start of the second half, finding the bottom corner with another good finish. Stockport were much improved defensively in the second half and were well led by their captain and centre back Megan Price. After such a high scoring first half there was a slight lull in the game before another flurry of goals in the last quarter.
Emilia Edward got her second goal of the game to bring Crewe level for the second time in the game but Stockport soon regained their lead. Lily Lloyd scored a great goal from outside the box to put Stockport ahead, making it 4-3 just minutes after Crewe had equalised.
Abbie Wright then sealed the win with a penalty in the 78th minute. The penalty was given for a push in the back as Crewe defended a Stockport cross. Wright made no mistake with the penalty and duly converted past Tia Lockett in the Crewe goal to send Stockport through to the next round.
Stockport U18s next game is away to Chester FC U18 Ladies Youth on the 26th of January.