Cambridge City keep their cool in penalty shootout to beat Wormley Rovers and set up tie against Stevenage in Women’s FA Cup

Captain Jade Barratt hit the winning spot kick as Cambridge City held their nerve in the penalty shootout to progress to the Adobe Women’s FA Cup first round proper for only the second time in their history on Sunday, writes Robert Coe.

Teenagers Lily Horsler, Natasha Coe and Faith Harrison were all on target with clinical penalties for the Lilywhites and, with opponents Wormley Rovers missing their first two attempts, it was left to Barratt to seal the 4-1 victory for Stewart Nicholls’ team and set up a home tie against Stevenage on 3 November.

Erin Burling had put City ahead earlier in the contest, only for hosting Wormley to respond via Holly Fox’s equaliser.

Later in the encounter home goalkeeper Amy Jo Hebborn was handed her marching orders for bringing down Harrison when she was through on goal.

Boss Nicholls was pleased with his youthful side, who had average age of 17.

He said: “There was a really good team spirit today.

“The desire, attitude, and application was what we were asking for as a team, and I thought it was spot on. It’s another good opportunity to push on in the FA Cup.”

City host Wroxham in the league on Sunday (20 October).