Workington Town Women FC advanced to the semi-final of the Cumberland Women’s County Cup thanks to a 4-1 win at Penrith Pathway FC.
A brace of goals from Bea Barber and a single strike each for Kirsten Donald and Keeley Chatters put Town into the last four.
They join Abbeytown Ladies FC, Whitehaven Ladies AFC and Penrith AFC Ladies for the draw, which will be held live on BBC Radio Cumbria’s Non-League Football show tonight (6pm to 7pm).
Town set off in a dominant style as they set about defending their title of County Champions.
A deft flick from Chatters was enough to unlock the home defence in the 4th minute as the ball in behind was collected by Barber and rifled home in convincing fashion.
The visitors kept applying telling pressure and in reality they could have extended their lead specifically from corners with attempts passing the wrong side of the posts and cross bar.
Captain Kirsten Donald imposed her stamp on the game in the 20th minute when she battled to secure a loose ball on the edge of the area.
She shifted before driving home from a central position and in doing so doubled Town’s lead.
Four minutes had passed when Chatters added her name to the scoresheet, after showing strength and determination to meet a corner taken by Ella Beadsmoore.
Chatters had anticipated the delivery well as her outstretched boot drove the ball home.
Despite these setbacks, the home side showed great spirit and rallied well, specifically throughout the second half.
Town’s lead never looked under tangible threat, however, the spirited response from the Penrith youngsters certainly gave them something to think about.
Barber was unlucky not to add to Town’s lead halfway through the second half. Latching on a ball played behind the lines, Barber drove at the home keeper before rounding her and firing agonisingly wide of target.
Penrith reduced the deficit with around 10 minutes remaining when Jasmine Crowther became the first player to score against the Cup holders since the 2023/24 cup final.
The winger showed good strength and composure to drive down the left before firing across Laura Miller to find the far corner.
Town’s three goal cushion was restored in the latter stages of the game when Barber grabbed her second of the day.
A Cassie Donald ball fed forward was collected with the softest of touches by Ella O’Nions on the half way line before linking with Olivia Beattie who then found Tiegan Hargrave supporting and was then able to regather in an advanced position.
Barber’s movement threatened the home back line and was rewarded when she collected Beattie’s through ball before driving home to seal the game in Town’s favour.
