Penrith AFC Ladies kicked off their season with an FA Womens Cup tie at home to Wallsend BC played at the D Marks Carpets Stadium, home of Carlisle City. It was Wallsend who made the early running and they confidently passed the ball giving Penrith the run around. It seemed like only a matter of time until Wallend would score and indeed this proved the case as they sliced through the Penrith defence to take a deserved lead on 17 mins.
This proved the wake up call Penrith required. Gradually they found their feet and began to work their way back into the game. Penrith were rewarded with an equaliser in the 33rd min when striker Nat Broad lobbed the Wallsend keeper.
HT 1-1
Into the 2nd half Penrith increasingly became the dominant force and were pressing for the lead. Penrith introduced fresh legs in the form of new signings Sharina Robinson and Georgia Smehurst as well as the experienced Hannah Coulthard.
Full back Hannah Fawkes headed home the critical 2nd Penrith goal from a corner in the 64th minute. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of a tiring Wallsend team. Penrith took full advantagee with further goals from Charlotte Smith and Nat Broad who completed her hat trick.
FT 5-1
Penrith now await the draw to see who they will face in the 2nd Qualifying Round of the SSE FA Womens Cup. In the meantime they commence their league programme on Sunday with a trip to Sir Tom Finney Ladies . This marks an historic first ever game in the NW Regoinal Premier Division.
Penrith : Lawson, Alderson, Han Fawkes(Smehurst), C.Smith, McCormick, Hea Fawkes(Coulthard), Johnston, Campbell, Broad, Hopton(Robinson), S.Smith.
