Second half comeback secures maiden Women’s FA Cup win for City

City produced a stunning second half comeback to beat Paulton Rovers Ladies 4-2 this afternoon at Cannon Clarke Stadium @ Twerton Park to secure a first ever Women’s FA Cup victory.

It looked like they would pay for a lethargic first half performance with a fourth successive first hurdle exit as the visitors struck twice in the opening 45 minutes. On nine minutes a cross from the left struck the inside of the post and Michell reacted quickest to fire the ball into the roof of the net. Despite enjoying the majority of possession City were struggling to trouble Paulton. Beth Edwards curled a free-kick narrowly wide and a long-range Tara Taylor effort was saved well by keeper Quinn. Then seven minutes before the break Lucy Clay’s poor clearance allowed Kerton to double Paulton’s lead. Tia Mahadeven stabbed wide from close-range right on the stroke of half-time but at the interval the visitors side were in total control of the tie.

Maddie Brown saw a shot clear the bar before Abby Gray also failed to get a header on target as City finally began rouse themselves into the second half. It took until the 66th minute though to break Paulton’s resistance as Brooke Stevenson-Smith’s cross was only partially cleared to Brown to fire a low shot into the net. And within six minutes City were level when Mahadevan flicked the ball on for Brown to race clear and slot the ball past Quinn. The first half woes forgotten it took just two minutes for City to strike again as Mahadevan collected Stevenson-Smith’s cross before turning neatly and shooting home. And City secured a 1st Qualifying Round tie at Pen Mill in stoppage time when Quinn spilled a corner and Mahadevan bundled home her second and the Romans fourth.