Pools Women have been rewarded with a home tie in the next
round of the FA Cup after enjoying a comfortable away win at Yorkshire Amateur
Jonathan Gibbon-Hayes' outfit swept aside their West
Yorkshire hosts with a clinical performance at the weekend to run out 5-0
winners and set up a home tie with Blackburn Community next month.Sunday's result was rarely in doubt and, after a positive start,
Pools were in front on 8 minutes when an outstanding switch of play from Sarah
Rowbotham released Caitlin Bates and she raced through to round the keeper before
finishing from a tight angle.Jenni Duffy-Smith flashed an effort just wide after good
work from Robyn Foster as Pools continued to press and they doubled the lead on
20 minutes when Duffy-Smith's corner was converted by the impressive Rowbotham.Pools eased off a little towards the break but they almost
went in 3-0 up when Justine Robinson raced through and finished in style only
for the goal to be ruled out for offside.There was a quick start to the second half as Duffy-Smith
sent another effort just wide, while both Foster and Bates tested the keeper with
shots on goal.However, the third goal arrived nine minutes after the restart
when Robyn Ingram's ball sent Foster through and she showed great composure to
finish smartly.Gibbon-Hayes shuffled his pack with the introduction of
three substitutes just after the hour mark and they brought fresh energy to the
performance as Pools went in search of more goals.Savanna Robson saw a shot brilliantly saved by the home side's
keeper but she wasn't to be denied and found the net with six minutes remaining
after a brilliant run and pull-back from Robinson.An excellent team move saw Pools make it 5-0 two minutes
later; Alisha Smith set the ball rolling from the back before Faye Garside and
Duffy-Smith combined to release Foster who finished superbly.“I am delighted with the result,” admitted Gibbon-Hayes.
“It was a game we never looked like losing and, for me, itwas nice to put last weekend's disappointing defeat behind us.
“I thought the back five were outstanding and that enabled
the forward players to really dictate the game and we looked a real threat when
we attacked.“All three substitutes had an impact when they came on and Ithink that shows the importance of having a strong squad.
“Our players showed a real pride today and you could seewhat it meant to them to wear the shirt.”
The Second Round Qualifying tie against Blackburn Communityis set to take place at East Durham College in Peterlee on Sunday 6thOctober (2pm kick-off).
Full Time: Yorkshire Amateur 0 Pools 5
Pools: Lillystone, Garside, Stuart, Smith, Stabler (Skull 65), Rowbotham, Duffy-Smith, Ingram (Robson 68), Robinson, Bates (Pye 65), Foster.
Subs not used: Henry, Hammond-Garrington.