After a week of almost continuous rainfall, Mill Lane United arrived at Broadgates grateful for clear skies and a pitch, which although very heavy, was deemed playable for the cup semi-final. The home side knew they were overwhelming favourites for the tie, but in football nothing is certain and North Ferriby arrived in great form, having won their three previous matches including an impressive 5.0 victory against Brayton Belles the previous week.
With the influential Grace Fetcher missing, Mill Lane United was forced to play leading goal scorer Millie Sharp in central midfield, alongside Natalie Bell & Amy Dodds on the flanks, with Hannah Gray starting in attack. At the back Olivia Nassau & Skie Wyatt once more provided Jessica Wright with protection as she looked to keep her 14th clean sheet of the season.
The first half started at a blistering pace as the home side went looking for an early goal, however, following a superb 4 man move it was Ferriby who produced the first clear cut chance with Caitlon Neadley putting the chance just wide. That let off seemed to spur Mill Lane United on and shortly afterwards a slick passing move involving Amy Dodds and Millie Sharp, resulted in Hannah Gray coolly slotting the ball past the visiting keeper to give the Home side the lead.
It always looked like the next goal would prove crucial with Ferriby continuing to look dangerous on the break, however, once Natalie Bell scored after collecting another Millie Sharp pass, the game turned totally in Mill Lane United favour as the girls confidence grew. In the next twenty minutes the Home side gave Ferriby a lesson in clinical finishing as Hannah Gray completed her hat-trick and Natalie Bell grabbed a second, while Ferriby just couldn’t cope with Millie Sharps physical presence as she notched five goals to send the home side in 11.0 at half time.
The second half saw Amy Dodds swap with Jessica in goal and she remained a virtual spectator as Mill Lane United camped in the Ferriby half. However, full credit to the away side who through a combination of good keeping and defending they frustrated their opponents who suddenly didn’t look quite so clinical in front of goal.
However, once Hannah Gray had turned superbly in the box to score her first of the second half, the floodgates once more opened as the home side took advantage of their overwhelming possession. In the end Hannah and Millie both completed second half hat-tricks to finish with 6 & 8 goals respectively, while Skie Wyatt capped a superb performance by scoring her first goal since the opening match of the season.
The final goal scorers were Olivia Nassau, who then went in goal, allowing Amy Dodds the opportunity to score the final goal from the edge of the box. At the final whistle Mill Lane United walked of 19.0 victors looking forward to the cup final on May 19th against Pinefleet.
Man of the match was a tough call between Hannah Gray & Skie Wyatt who both had superb matches, in the end neither coach could separate them so they were both given the award.
Final Score: Mill Lane United 19 North Ferriby 0
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