C&K BASILDON Ladies stormed to victory in the first round of the FA Women’s Premier League Cup thanks to a brace from in-form Sara Sinclair.

The successful side travelled to the Isle of Wight to tackle Shanklin Ladies and ran out comfortable 4-0 winners in the end, thanks to an impressive second half performance.

The first chance came after 15 minutes and fell to Hannah Porter. Zoe Rushen swung in a free-kick and Porter’s flicked headed crashed off the bar and away.

The woodwork denied them again moments later – this time Amy Nash cutting inside to strike against the crossbar.

They did lead after 34 minutes and it was Rushen who struck – bending a freekick into the net.

C&K had to wait until almost an hour until they doubled their lead. Rushen saw her delivery tipped on to the bar, but Sinclair tucked home the rebound.

The same player added a third after intercepting a backpass before chipping the ball over the advancing goalkeeper.

Karissa Rodney added a fourth goal after cutting in from the left flank and curling a shot into the top corner.

Merrick Will still had time to hit the bar before the final whistle sounded.

*Basildon's Development team took on Brentwood Town Ladies – drawing 1-1 thanks to a goal from Laura Bryant.

 

BILLERICAY LADIES MAKE IT BACK-TO-BACK LEAGUE WINS

A SOLITARY strike from Sophie Whiting was enough to guide Billericay to a second consecutive league win.

Great Shelford were the visitors and started the brighter, only some last ditch challenges keeping the scoreline goalless in the first period.

Billericay improved after half-time and hit the crossbar on a number of occasions, with the away keeper also proving impassable.

Echo:

SOPHIE WHITING NETS THE WINNER

 

The home side would have gone behind but for a fingertip save from Hollie Dimabro and the visitors snatched victory with time ticking away.

A long ball saw Katie Whitehead out-jump her defender to find Lisa Robins. Some neat skill saw her beat two defenders and feed Whiting, who drilled home.

“I was delighted to get the three points against a well organised Great Shelford side,” said manager Kim Coster. “The game was entertaining from start to finish and I hope the supporters enjoyed it.”

Billericay’s next match is against Acle in the League at New Lodge on Sunday (kick-off at 2pm).