Two late goals from Tasha Fensome and Gabriella Spillman earnt Luton Town Ladies a 2-0 victory and a place in the first round proper of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup at Barton on Sunday.
After last week’s tie was abandoned due to a serious injury to Saints skipper, Jess Burke, both sides had a week to prepare for the tie.
Co-managers Myles Maddix and Fadi Mazloum stuck with the starting 11 that they named last weekend, but introduced Abbie Vizard, Lilac Wilson and Leah Robinson to the Hatters’ bench.
It was a slow start for Luton, at a wet and windy Barton. Saints keeper Emily Hemp was tested for the first time after 15 minutes after Shianne Swarres’ cross seemed to be dipping in, but for a fingertip save from Hemp.
Luton, in the groove after their first sight of goal, came close through Jess McKay, who was played through on goal but could only poke the ball narrowly wide of the post.
After 20 minutes the Hatters had another chance, courtesy of a smart free-kick routine, where a dummied run from Fiona Buttigieg allowed McKay to send the ball towards the back post, where Bridget Adu found herself free, but she couldn’t get the power behind her header allowing Hemp to hold the ball.
At the other end, an incredible long-range effort from Liv Syson, forces Sarah Hudson into an equally incredible fingertip save, denying the visitors the opener.
The second half saw the Town start brightly again, Cesca Partridge’s header glanced wide of the post, just eight minutes into the half.
Just after the hour mark, Adu almost scored a spectacular goal. Following a free kick, Buttigieg sent the ball into the box where Adu attempted an overhead kick, but Hemp, yet again was equal to it, making a great save.
However with 15 minutes left to go the Hatters took the lead. A Buttigieg corner was headed back across the box by Adu into the path of Fensome, who headed the ball home from yards out.
With 10 to play and in the lead, managerial duo Myles and Fadi made a double substitution with Nicole Farmer and Nancy Tucker replacing Bridget Adu and Liz Mulvaney.
And in the fifth minute of additional time the Hatters sealed victory thanks to Spillman. Using her rapid pace to her advantage, she charged into the box and on her right foot, smashed the ball into the roof of the net.
Luton Ladies: Hudson, Adu, Wade, Blacksley, Buttigieg, Swarres, Leighton, Mulvaney, McKay, Fensome, Partridge.
Substitutes: Robinson, Vizard, Tucker, Spillman, Farmer, Wilson, Lewis.
Report by Owen Williams