AEK Boco Ladies beat Cirencester on penalties to make Women’s Trophy Semi Final
Three saves from Leah Whiffen saw AEK Boco Ladies advance into the GFA Women’s Trophy Semi Final, beating Cirencester Town Ladies on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
The tie saw the GCWFL Division One leaders host 2nd place in the SWWFL Northern Division and both defences produced a superb display over the course of 90 minutes.
Whiffen produced a great one on one save to deny Jodie Bailey in the second half, before the impressive Amelia Dudding hit the post late on for the Centurions.
Aimee Clark had gone close to an opener for Boco, in the first half, by Ellie Law was on hand to keep the deadlock firmly in tact.
As the first half wore on, Eden Marsh curled wide for Cirencester, before Jodie Bailey found space at the back post, but saw her effort blocked by Whiffen’s legs.
The second half saw Boco start quickly, and were almost more relaxed on the ball, with Erin Read and Millie Lacey getting forward from full back to support the front three.
Clark and Jess Stirling both fired wide, before Jodie Hooper cut in from the left but also fired off target.
The two biggest chances of the half fell Cirencester’s way though, with Marsh teeing up for Bailey, but her effort was smothered and kept out by a terrific Whiffen.
Then, as penalties loomed, Dudding was played in down the right hand side and fired across goal – only to see her effort rebound off the foot of the post and smothered by Whiffen.
And the former Tuffley Rovers goalkeeper played a key role in the shootout, saving three efforts to help her side claim the win.
After Emilie Channing-Cone and Anna Margetts exchanged converted penalties, Erin Read fired over, with Libby Messenger denied by Whiffen.
Courtney Adams and Eden Marsh swapped saved efforts, before Aimee Clark drilled past Law to put Boco in the driving seat.
And Whiffen would complete a hattrick of saves to keep out Scarlett Boyce, leaving Jodie Hooper the chance to book her side’s place in the final four, which she took with a great penalty.
In the Semi Final, Boco will entertain Downend Flyers, whilst Gloucester City Women will face the winner of the postponed tie, Cheltenham Town Reserves vs Cheltenham Civil Service Ladies.
Cirencester Town Ladies: Law, Candy, Margetts, Hill, Messenger, Boyce, K Bailey, Marsh, J Bailey, Dudding, Scrannage
Subs: Tuckwell, Biskup, A Bailey, Robbins
AEK Boco Ladies: Whiffen, Lacey, Read, A Titcomb, Condon, J Titcomb, Daly, Channing-Cone, Clark, Stirling, Hooper
Subs: Haines, Adams, Hollywood, Nicholas
C Martin Roofing Player of the Match – Jodie Hooper (AEK Boco Ladies)
Unfortunately only the first half of the game was recorded, so listen to the commentary below and on Spotify.
