U’s progress to the first round of the Adobe FA Women’s Cup after a comfortable win over Atletico London.
Back-to-back cup games for the U’s as we began our FA Cup journey with a trip to Atletico London (formerly London Seaward), despite a slight wobble in the first half the U’s ensured they would be in the hat for the next round with an assured display.
In the same fashion we’ve started a lot of our games this season, it was a quick start from the U’s as we were quickly on the scoreboard in the 7th minute.
Prolific scorer Jade Bell found herself in space on the edge of the 18 yard box, twisting and turning away from defenders the forward made space for herself before unleashing a shot that squirmed under the despairing dive of the Atletico London keeper to make it 1-0.
Despite the quick lead, the U’s didn’t let off and were unlucky not to make it 2-0 just 4 minutes later.
A pullback from the energetic Mollie Coupar on the right found Sammy Edgar in space at the edge of the box, her powerful drive was well stopped by the Atletico stopper with the ball rebounding to the onrushing Stojko-Down but unfortunately she couldn’t keep her effort down.
However, it didn’t take the U’s long to extend their lead.
In the 13th minute more good work by Mollie Coupar down the right was rewarded. The forward found herself in space and drilled a low cross along the 6-yard box which was turned home by a backtracking Atletico defender to make it 2-0 to the U’s.
Despite the U’s early dominance, complacency from the team allowed our hosts back into the game.
In the 21st minute Atletico found themselves in a promising position on the left and after cutting back inside, the Atletico forward powered home a strike into the roof of the net to get them back into the game.
The goal brought life back into the U’s again and after a few half chances that were just wide or over from the likes of Stojko-Down, Stephenson and Coupar, the U’s extended their lead again just before half-time.
Again Mollie Coupar caused problems for the Atletico defence, this time her shot which seemed destined for the back of the net was tipped onto the bar before falling onto the head of Jade Bell who was in the right position to make it 3-1 to the U’s and a brace for herself on the day.
A scrappy start to the second half as both teams battled to seize control of the game, in the 51st minute Bell was unlucky not to complete her hat-trick as she was adjudged to be offside by the linesman despite finishing superbly on her weak foot.
A rare attack for Atletico just a minute later drew an excellent save from Webb as the Atletico forward bearing down on goal struck a shot that the U’s stopper managed to push wide for a corner at full stretch.
Half chances for the U’s came and went as Cullum who replaced Edgar saw her effort blocked on the line, but in the 67th minute the game would be sealed.
Mollie Coupar once again diced through the Atletico defence before being brought down for a blatant penalty. Stojko-Down stepped up to the spot and buried the ball into the back of the net with no mistake.
Despite the comfortable lead there were chances for the U’s to extend their lead as Stephenson jinked her way past Atletico defenders before forcing yet another stop from the Atletico London stopper, but the game would finish 4-1 and secure our place in the next round.
Next up for the women is a monumental league clash against QPR Women at the Cledara Abbey Stadium.
In addition to the on-pitch action, fans will enjoy an enhanced matchday experience featuring a Junior U's kids' zone, a wide range of food and drink options, autograph opportunities with the players, and access to the Club Store for official merchandise.
Tickets are priced at just £5 for Adults, while U18s and Men’s Season Ticket Holders go free. They can be purchased online now or from the ground on the day of the game.
Atletico London: TBC
Subs Not Used: TBC
Goalscorers: TBC
Bookings: N/A
Cambridge United: Webb, Miles (Jarvis, 74’), Tomlinson, Cheal-Ferris, Rouse, Stojko-Down, Coupar (Jackson, 85’), Bell (Farrow, 77’), Shaw (Stojko-Down, 63’), Edgar (Cullum, 61’), Stephenson
Subs Not Used: Shults
Goalscorers: Bell (07’, 45+1), Own Goal (13’), Stojko-Down (69’)
Bookings: Edgar (47’), Coupar (79’)
Attendance: TBC
