Lewes knock out QPR to make Women’s FA Cup progress
Lewes Women kicked off their FA Cup campaign with a 1-0 win away at Queens Park Rangers at Rectory Meadow, Hanworth.
Rangers, who play a level below Lewes in the WNL Division 1 South East, gave a great account of themselves. But it was Lewes who prevailed, scoring a dramatic winner in the 83rd minute through Emma Jones.
QPR joined Lewes in a 21-second pause at the beginning of the game to highlight the disparity between the men and women’s FA Cup prize funds.
It was QPR who then started the brightest, controlling possession for large parts of the game and creating chances to test Emily Moore in goal.
The closest Rangers came was an effort from Dzyadyk that drifted just wide. Lewes battled to gain a foothold in this tie and were relieved to get to half time all square.
The second half resumed in a similar vein with QPR seeing more of the ball and probing to find an opener.
Rooks boss Emma Byrne rang the changes for Lewes and threw on Jones, Howells and Johnson on the hour mark in the hopes of altering the course of the game.
A flurry of chances fell to Rangers after the 70th minute, forcing some heroic defending from Lewes.
However, it was Lewes who eventually opened the scoring. A break down the right-hand side and low cross into the box was converted by Emma Jones – a deft finish trickling in off the inside of the post for an unlikely, late winner.
QPR will be proud of their performance but ultimately exit the cup.
Lewes progress to the second round, which will be played on November 15, when they travel to either Swindon or Bridgwater.