United exit FA Women's Cup at first hurdle

Starting the stronger Woodley enjoyed the opening exchanges with Louise Williamson-Raymond and Jess Grimmett both shooting directly at Actonians’ keeper Naomi Swift. However, somewhat against the run of play Natalie Randall drove home from twenty five yards to give the visitors the lead.

The impressive Carla Williams extended the lead on eighteen minutes after beating Lisa Phillips one on one and at this stage Woodley were struggling to maintain an athletic Actonians’ side that had pace and were prepared to chase every ball.

Gradually the home side got a foothold in the game and while not creating much up front contained the visitors’ threat and started to control the ball but this good work was undone when an free kick was not cleared allowing Old Actonians to pressure the home defence which resulted in the ball being dragged back from goal line from the left flank for Natasha Cree to score from within the six yard box unmarked after twenty six minutes..

Three down but not out, Woodley continued to have possession and where rewarded when Sarah Davern fired home from the edge of the penalty area seven minutes from the break.

The second half was an even affair and while United enjoyed good possession that saw chances created, Swift was rarely trouble as shots were cleared or were off target such as a drive from distance from Grimmett