Tameside United U18s win County Cup

Tameside United fought back from 3-1 down at half time with a stoppage time equaliser to eventually win 3-1 on penalties.

Just day's after the sad news of the passing of Mark Worthington, Tameside United 18s secured the County Cup in dramatic scenes at Abbey Hey.

Several hundred supporters from both sides were treated to an amazing game of football.

Davyhulme took the lead on ten minutes as Chesworth showed her pace to break the line and score the first goal.

Davyhulme piled the pressure on as Tameside were struggling to deal with the pace of the forward line. Julia Wrobel made a fine first stop but Chesworth doubled the lead just 20 minutes in.

However Tameside responded immediately with Rebecca Lilley’s spectacular over head kick being spilled by the keeper and making it 2-1.

Tameside dominated possession with a number of fine saves from the Davyhulme keeper stopping Abbie from dangerous free kicks on the edge of the area.

On the stroke of half time Davyhulme restored their two goal lead after a counter attack from a Tameside corner meant that Chesworth completed her hat trick.

It was the final moment of the half as the referee blew for half time, 1-3 to Davyhulme.

Tameside came out energetic in the second half and won another corner. The ball was whipped in by Rebekah Coe and the keeper could only parry it down into her own net to make it 2-3.

Tameside were hungry for an equaliser as they chased the game. However Davyhulme looked to restore their lead with Julia Wrobel called into big saves in the final 20.

Tameside players were pulling up with cramp and injuries as the toll of chasing the game so hard was starting to show.

A change of formation in the last few minutes led to a corner in the dying seconds of the game. Tameside sent everyone forward except the Keeper. The delivery was again perfect and met with a bullet header by Rebecca Lilley to equalise in the final seconds of added time.

There was no time for the restart as the referee blew for full time. The game was then decided on penalties.

Captain - Julia Wrobel showed why she’s considered such a top goalkeeper as Tameside won 3-1 on penalties saving the final penalty. 

Following the win, James Caldwell, Tameside United coach, said: - "Credit to Davyhulme as they were a top opposition on and off the field, we've had to dig deep to get a result tonight.

"This year has been challenging on and off the field for us, it's a new squad of players, some have been here eight years and some six months.

"We've managed to create a real team mentality and hopefully put some of these on a pathway to becoming top footballers that we will watch on the TV soon.

"Our aim now is to build again for next season and look to retain the County Cup and maybe make a challenge for the League in 2019-20."