Spalding United Women have been knocked out of the FA Cup after losing 3-1 at home to Stanground Cardea in a rearranged first qualifying round tie.
The replay was held at the Sir Halley Stewart after the original meeting between the teams was abandoned the previous Sunday. Stanground, the Peterborough side, had been leading 2-1 with only two minutes remaining in that first match when Spalding goalkeeper Vickie Foster suffered a severe concussion and had to be carried off.
The abandonment meant the result could not stand. The Football Association ruled that the game had to be replayed, sending the teams back to the Sir Halley Stewart for a second attempt at deciding which side would progress in the competition.
Stanground take control after an even start
The replay was closely contested for the opening half-hour, with neither side able to break the deadlock. Stanground eventually moved ahead when Andreeia Oliveria opened the scoring for the visitors.
Spalding responded early in the second period. Nicola Krajewska scored to bring the Tulips level and put the home side back on an even footing.
The visitors restored their advantage on the hour mark, when Ava Ballard made it 2-1. Georgia Elsom then completed the scoring just before the break, sealing Stanground’s progression into the next stage of the FA Cup.
The result ended Spalding’s involvement in this season’s competition, while Stanground advanced after the unusual sequence of an abandoned tie followed by a replay.
League action next for the Tulips
Spalding United Women will now return to the East Midlands Women’s League. Their next fixture is at home to Leicester City Ladies this Sunday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm at the Sir Halley Stewart, giving the Tulips an immediate opportunity to switch their focus back to league football after the cup defeat.
The match report was published by The Spalding and South Holland Voice. Match pictures were credited to Jason Richardson.