Sunday saw Hull United in county cup action, they played against Hall Road Rangers Ladies who are in the women’s county league 2 leagues below United, however they never underestimated their opponents. United lined up with Cone between the sticks, the back 4 of Newlove E Robinson Sharp Lisle, midfielders Holmes Smith Tankard and forwards of Damms Tate J Robinson. The teams switched around and United had kick off.

The first 10 minutes, the nerves of United made them rush balls and not play to the best of their ability, however a well worked throw in down the right from Newlove allowed Robinson to find the path of Smith who picked out Tate who’s effort hit the back of the net and United found themselves 1-0 up. This seemed to edge the nerves and the black and whites played the game they knew and dominated possession, passing their opponents off the park! However HRR never gave up and pressed everything. 10 minutes later it was again Tate who got on the scoresheet, who on her week foot took it calmly to volley home to make it 2-0. United played some really neat football, giving the forwards plenty of opportunities. Damms and J Robinson came the closest to get themselves on the scoresheet however their efforts were either well saved by the keeper or just narrowly missed. Newlove had plenty of freedom down the right hand side, driving on from her RB position at any given opportunity to offer an outlet for those ahead of her. Lisle did the same on her side. The half came to the end and United went in 2-0 up.

United came back out for the second half to an unchanged side. Hall Road Rangers came out flying in the second half, giving all their efforts however unfortunately they didn’t register a shot on target the whole game. J Robinson made way for Randell, who went into her usual RB position and pushed Newlove up into the front 3 and Lisle came off for Ward to come into the left back position. Damms was set free down the left and ran a quarter of the pitch with the ball at her feet and slotted past the HRR keeper into the bottom left corner. 2 minutes later, Newlove was allowed a run at the Hall Road defender and after beating her, she put it on a plate for Tate to get her hatrick and make it 4-0 to United, Tate took a touch from the cross and finished it well. The 80 minuet came and Damms again was set free and grabbed her second of the game and made it 5-0, 2 minutes after Tate added a 4th for herself and made it 6-0 to United. Shortly after that the final whilst blew and United were into the County Cup Final for the second year running looking to defend the trophy they won last year after beating Preston last season.

A tough pick for player of the match but manager Lewis Poucher named Lilly Tankard his POTM after an outstanding performance in midfield, she ran her socks off and was solid in her number 10 role.

Manager Lewis Poucher added

“A great win for the club and another final reached for the girls. We expected Hall Road to come out of the blocks quickly and they did which is credit to them. We knew sticking to our game plan of moving the ball quickly and in the right areas would make it difficult for them as the game wore on. We scored some great goals yesterday with our front three causing problems for them. The girls have now reached back to back finals which is great for them and I am pleased with the way we have progressed throughout the season now. We endured a tough start with people dropping away and it has really pleased me how this young squad is coming together and stayed strong. It’s easy to reap the rewards for me when your winning but when it gets tough. Players who dig in and graft and pull together are what it’s all about and this lot have it in abundance which is so pleasing. The final will be a tough game as I have seen city reserves play a lot and they are a good young side. It will be a tough game and one we need to prepare for when it comes around. However our attention now turns back to Chester Le street in a few weeks with us aiming to continue our good run of form”