Swindon Town Women’s FA Cup adventure continues to gather pace as a 3-0 victory last weekend saw them progress to the second round of the competition.
No doubt taking momentum from their win over Paulton in the previous round hosted at the County Ground in front of a record crowd, James Lally’s side came up against a strong Frampton Rangers side, who played at a level well above their two division deficit during the ninety minutes.
The visitors showed they weren’t just in the competition to make up the numbers, and came out the traps early with high tempo and a game plan.
Head Coach Lally shuffled his pack slightly ahead of the game, with Becky Donnelly, Beth Kelloway, Tori Taylor and Steph Bent coming back into the side from their League Cup win over Selsey.
Making way was Elle Scott, Nat Goodright, Kat Bach and Ella Harries.
Onto the action, and Becky Donnelly ensured any early nerves were dealt with by getting on the end of a Helena Diaz-Butcher assist after just 12-minutes, as the winger tapped home from close range.
It proved an even first forty-five with chances at either end, but the hosts reached the interval with their one goal margin still in tact in front of the 88 fans in attendance.
The second period got underway with Lally opting to stick with the same side that battled so hard in the first, and it worked as Town took control of the tie, keeping possession and using the ball well.
He then introduced Sky Hull on 55-minutes for her debut to add some fresh legs, and shortly after the change, Swindon doubled their advantage.
Steph Bent scored from a Gipsy Viveash corner which seemed to take the wind out of the visitors sails.
It wouldn't be a Swindon Town Women's FA Cup game without an Annie Colston goal, and she duly obliged to put the result beyond doubt on 67-minutes.
Great work by Becky Donnelly down the wing resulted in her pinpoint cross being converted by the in-form striker to make it three, all but sealing their passage into the next round.
Town now find themselves in the FA Cup Second Round for the first time in five years, where they’ll come up against tier three National League Southern Premier Division side, Plymouth Argyle.
The game will be played at home on the weekend of Sunday 27 November, with Town knowing another victory could see them come up against one of the big guns in the third round, where championship sides enter.
