AXMINSTER TOWN LADIES 3

BUDLEIGH SALTERTON 2

AXMINSTER Town Ladies rewrote their history books with a 3-2 win over Budleigh Salterton to seal their place in the Women's FA Cup third qualifying round. 

Axminster dominated the early proceedings and took an early lead in the eighth minute through Lorna Button. 

After pressuring the away defence, Button pounced on a poor touch by the Budleigh keeper and slotted home for Axminster's first FA Cup goal.

Axminster kept up the pressure before Budleigh broke free down the right and Izzy Rudkin denied the Budleigh forward with a good one-on-one save.

Axminster remained in control of the game and lady of the match, Miki Winkler, rode a number of tackles before playing an inch perfect pass into Poppy Cloke who was denied twice by two great saves as the score remained 1-0 at half-time.

Determined Budleigh led the start of the second half, testing Axminster’s defence and keeper before Winkler delivered a ball over the top for Cloke.

Cloke kept her composure despite a defender and goalkeeper closing her down, calmly making it 2-0.

Axminster's dominance was halted on 63 minutes when Poppy Kitcher was shown a straight red card after using her hands on the goalline to stop a certain Budleigh Salterton goal.

Izzy Rudkin, unfazed by the incoming penalty kick, took her position only to watch the ball fly over the bar. 

Axminster hit stright back breaking down the left-hand side and some good work by Chelsea Petherbridge saw her wriggle free into the box before unleashing a shot too powerful for the Budleigh keeper to stop, sending Axminster into early celebrations.

Budleigh had other ideas and after a new lease of life finally broke through in the 79th minute with long distance free-kick to make it 3-1, setting up a tense last 10 minutes.

Budleigh continued to rally and were awarded a second penalty in the 88th minute after Rudkin spilled a shot and brought down an attacker.

Budleigh did not miss this spot-kick, making it 3-2.

However, Axminster showed good game management and ran down the clock before the celebrations started. 

Axminster manager Russell Weller said: "We had a game plan and the girls executed it fairly well first half and I was a little disappointed we went in only one up at half-time.

"The red card really changed the game and being a young side I feared the worst but the girls dug in and got it done showing maturity beyond their years.

"I'm delighted not only for the girls but the club as well, it was great to see so many turn out to support the women and I hope they enjoyed it, we certainly did and we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support"

Axminster have been drawn away to Liskeard, who ply their trade one league below Town, on Sunday, October 24.

Weller said: "We have drawn a team in the league we want to be in next season, so I feel its good chance for the ladies to go and show that it's where we belong.

"We are just one game away from getting into the first round with absolutely nothing to lose but everything to gain." 

Just Mortgages lady of the match: Miki Winkler

Attendance: 127