September 6, 2020 10.22 pm This story is over 42 months old

Lincoln United FC women’s claw back from three down to advance in the FA Cup

Notts County 4-4 Lincoln United (2-3 after penalties)
Churcher firs one in from the spot. @Photo: Lincs Photography

A scrappy, slow start saw neither team threaten the goal.

Seemingly from nothing, Reed of Notts County found the ball at her feet before turning and slotting it into the bottom right of the goal.

Most of the half was played in the middle of the field, with Notts winning most battles.

They were playing a deflated Lincoln United – a team that seemed unable to hold possession for extended periods of time.

The Notts County attackers were given all the time on the ball they wanted, and they took advantage of it, making it 2-0.

Taylor received the ball outside the box, where she was given time to line up a shot and score.

The Whites looked fatigued, whilst Notts County looked powerful.

Chambers picked up the ball on the left wing, dancing past three Lincoln defenders and shooting. Her long-ranged effort flew across the goal and struck the right post.

Lincoln United’s first real chance came after Murrell was fouled just after the box. Churcher stepped up and her effort was saved with an acrobatic effort in the middle of the goal.

Missed opportunities were then punished as Chambers picked up the ball on the wing. She was given time to pick out a pass to Reed who slips the ball through the legs of keeper Gilbert.

Churcher would not be denied a second time. Her free kick from the right-wing flew across the goal, hitting the top-left corner.

With the Whites keeping the pressure on, a scrappy battle in the Notts box resulted in the ball hitting a defenders hand. Churcher stepped up and slotted it to the bottom right of the keeper, ending the half 3-2.

Lincoln United battle back against Notts County. Lincs Photography

The second half started with Murrell finding her way through on goal. Her low attempt was saved comfortably by the Notts keeper.

Demi Barai came onto the pitch to replace the injured Churcher. She brought a physical presence the Whites needed desperately.

Lincoln United continued to attack with Dalzelle playing the ball out to Murrell. She skipped past one defender and slipped the ball past the Notts keeper, bringing them level.

Katy Gilbert came to the rescue of her teammates, denying numerous attacks put together by Notts County.

However, Notts pilled on the pressure and were rewarded as Mel East put them ahead with an effort from range.

Lincoln struggled to find 2 seconds on the ball, with the Notts County ball-press seeming too much for them.

A tough challenge on Murrell left her unable to continue and her team with ten women on the pitch.

The Whites found a second wind, pushing to take it to penalties.

With the last knockings of the game, Wilson sent a free kick into the box. The ball fell to Demi Barai, who blasted Lincoln United back into the game.

An inspiring Lincoln United team sent it to penalties, where the standout performances continued.

Goalkeeper Katy Gilbert came alive, saving 3 penalties. The outfield players did their part, scoring 3 of their 6 penalties.

Notts managed two goals from the spot, with Gilbert getting a hand to one of them. After leading and dominating for a significant amount of the game, Notts failed to bring it home.

The game was truly an emotional roller coaster for both sets of fans.

Notts County 4-4 Lincoln United (2-3 after penalties)

By Luther Odame

Lincoln United celebrate as they move forward in the FA Cup. Lincs Photography